José "Cheo" Arce is a Puerto Rican pianist, arranger, composer, and music director from Coamo, Puerto Rico. He began studying piano at an early age under instructors Cecilia Talavera, Ruben Malan, and Enrique "Papo" Lucca, later studying harmony and composition with Ernesto Sanchez. Arce entered the professional music industry at the age of 16, playing piano for his brother Agustín Arce’s orchestra.
After years of performing, arranging, and working with other ensembles, Arce launched his path as a solo bandleader and producer, focusing on Latin jazz, mambo, and salsa. During the early 2020s, he released several foundational singles, including "Esa Mulata Es Candela" and "No Te Vayas" in 2021, followed by "Pensandote" and "Amigo Es Aquel" in 2022, and "Me Equivoque Contigo" in 2023.
Arce has expanded his discography with full-length recordings, highlighting his piano arrangements and direction. He released the album "Cheo Arce Piano 'Live'" in 2023, and followed it with "Cheo Arce Piano Romantico Tropical" in 2025.
