Luis Esteban Ortiz Ruiz, widely known as Luis "Perico" Ortiz, is a Puerto Rican trumpeter, composer, musical arranger, and producer. Born on December 26, 1949, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Ortiz began his musical studies at an early age. He attended the Escuela Libre de Música, the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico under the direction of Pablo Casals, and the University of Puerto Rico.
Ortiz's musical career spans multiple genres, including salsa, Latin jazz, classical, and pop. As an accomplished trumpet player and arranger, he has accompanied a wide range of international vocalists, such as Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Paul Anka, The Supremes, Dionne Warwick, and Engelbert Humperdinck. His versatility and distinct arrangements made him a highly sought-after collaborator in both Latin and mainstream jazz and pop scenes.
As a bandleader and producer, Ortiz established his own orchestra, which served as a significant workshop for Latin musicians, particularly in New York. His ensemble helped launch the careers of several notable salsa vocalists, including Rafael de Jesús, Roberto Lugo, and Domingo Quiñones. He has also remained active in music production through his company, Mi_Voz Music Productions.