BIOGRAPHY

 

Ivan Santiago, devoted husband and father of 3, and gifted bassist and music director, has established himself as a driving force in the music industry, captivating audiences with his distinctive blend of Gospel, soul, and Latin influences.  His journey from a church pew in Lorain, Ohio to some of the world's biggest stages is a testament to his extraordinary talent, passion, and dedication.

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Ivan's style is a beautiful tapestry of Gospel and soul, infused with the natural

rhythms of his Latin heritage. This unique blend allows him to seamlessly traverse

diverse musical genres, creating a signature sound that is unmistakably his own. Ivan's

bass lines are a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and stir the

Soul.

 

Ivan has served as music director for various successful recording artists, including the likes of Mr. Talkbox, Danny Gokey, and Group 1 Crew. His extraordinary talents on the bass have

graced the records and live performances of chart-topping luminaries in the Country,

CCM, and Gospel music industries.  As a live performer, his energy and stage presence are infectious.  Notable artists for whom Ivan has contributed his groove-laden magic include American Idol winner Scotty McCreery, American Idol alumni Danny Gokey, Mandisa, George Huff, and Brooke Barrettsmith. He's also laid down the rhythm for Grammy, Steller and Dove award winning artists such as Toby Mac, Martha Munizzi, Nicole C. Mullen, Anthony Evans, Stacey Orrico, and many more.

 

As a solo jazz artist, Ivan has produced two instrumental musical albums, "Bass Praise" and "Christmas Time," showcasing his prowess as a solo artist, and ability as a composer to create moving and captivating melodies.  He has also furthered the education of aspiring musicians by creating an instructional DVD that imparts his invaluable insights into the art of bass playing, alongside contributing educational content for his personal YouTube channel as well as that of the popular and highly respected music educational site “GospelMusicians.com”.

 

Ivan Santiago's journey from a young church musician in Ohio to a well respected and

sought after bassist/music director is an inspiration to all who aspire to transform

their passion into a profound and lasting impact on the world of music. His devotion to

his craft, dynamic performances, and unwavering commitment to groove and rhythm

have made him a respected player in the industry.