Luis Angel Gasca, born March 3, 1940 in Houston, Texas, was an American jazz trumpeter known as the “Little Giant.” He released his debut album The Little Giant for Atlantic Records in 1969, featuring Joe Henderson and Herbie Hancock. In 1972, he issued the Latin‑rock‑influenced For Those Who Chant on Blue Thumb Records, collaborating with Carlos Santana and Neal Schön. Subsequent releases include Born to Love You (1974) and Collage (1976). Gasca toured with Count Basile, Ray Charles, the Grateful Dead, and recorded with Stan Kenton’s big band, becoming the only Latino to do so. He died on August 2, 2026 in San Antonio.
