Personnel Bio
MU1 Yeissonn Villamar
Peruvian-American keyboardist Musician 1st Class Yeissonn Villamar has been electrifying domestic and international stages for over twenty years. He possesses the rare, unique ability to play multiple music genres and consistently impacts the hearts of audiences around the world with his personal charisma, genuine sound, and musical expertise.
Yeissonn (pronounced "yey-son") has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in modern American music, including the great Eric Clapton, pop artist Camila Cabello, TONY-winner Billy Porter; guitarist and actor Steven Van Zandt A.K.A. “Little Steven” (Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band: The Sopranos); platinum recording artist, Lauryn Hill; Ray Chew (Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, Showtime at the Apollo); Gospel legend Yolanda Adams; GRAMMY-winning vocalist Dianne Reeves, celebrity bass player, Nathan East; legendary drummer Steve Gadd; the great Charlie Wilson; GRAMMY-winning artists Estelle and Brandy; R&B classic artists Bell Biv Devoe; the legendary Marcus Miller; Sheila E.; Morris Day; Cheryl “Pepsii” Riley; Josh Groban; Joe; GRAMMY winner Keyon Harrold; POSE on FX stars Dyllon Burnside and world-renown Latin percussionist, Pedro “Pedrito” Martinez.
He has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, playing keys for Kesha; Live! with Kelly and Ryan, accompanying American Idol finalist, Madison VanDenburg, and played piano with a 16-piece classical orchestra for the Downton Abbey movie premiere at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. He also played live alongside Eric Clapton at his 2019 Crossroads Guitar Festival at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Yeissonn has also worked with the world’s top Latin acts, including multi-GRAMMY winners Don Omar, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Manuelle, and Thalia; and nominees Tego Calderon and Fonseca. He has shared the stage with stars like Aziz Ansari, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Juanes, Prince Royce, Luis Fonsi, and the great Nile Rodgers.
As a musical director, Yeissonn has curated music, staffed bands, and led and participated in concert-caliber performances for corporate and private clients, political and world organizations (including the United Nations and World Health Organization), and Hollywood and Broadway stars alike, including Pastor T.D. Jakes, Billy Porter and Dyllon Burnside, actor Bill Murray, and court TV star, Judge Judy Scheindlin. He currently directs and play lead keyboards for Chevy Chevis Entertainment, one of New York’s premiere entertainment agencies (voted The Knot's “Best of 2017 & 2018”). As a performer and producer, Yeissonn has appeared at the Comedy Cellar alongside New York’s best comedians and often collaborates with veteran and independent songwriters and producers in creating original music for ad agencies, commercials, dance troupes, recording artists, film, and television.
Perseverance, hard work, passion, and dedication have undoubtedly led Yeissonn to the opportunities that have built his colorful experience and earned him the increasing respect and praise he enjoys from his fans and in the industry today. He credits a great deal of his success to his early years of formal music training and a lifetime love of music instilled in him by his mother, Peruvian singer, Carmen Villamar. His commitment to excellence and musicianship is also evident in his solid academic preparation. Yeissonn is a graduate of New York City’s famed Fiorello LaGuardia High School of the Arts and a previous recipient of both the prestigious Charlie Palmieri Memorial Piano Scholarship Award and Celia Cruz Foundation Award. While still a senior in high school, Yeissonn also recorded his first Grammy-nominated performance with seasoned percussionist, educator, and recording artist, Bobby Sanabria, on the multi-Grammy nominated album, Big Band, Urban Folk Tales. Yeissonn holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Jazz Performance and Contemporary Music from The New School in New York City.
MU1 Villamar joined the U.S. Coast Guard Band in 2021.