Vocalist, composer, civil rights activist, and performance artist Danny Rivera is reimagining what it means to be an artist in his generation. Known for his avant garde spirit, honest lyricism, and captivating performances, this new renaissance artist discovered his musical identity by traversing the cross-cultural fusion of the Black church and Afro Puerto Rican culture. Displayed through his extensive efforts in improvisation and performance, Rivera has shaped a unique sound, and is developing a body of work which includes projects like Songs of Free Men. 

Rivera’s latest project Songs of Free Men delves into the sustained, centuries-long freedom songs that is Negro Spirituals. The work highlights the association of Black Americans which merged African cultural heritage with the experienes of being held in bondage in slavery, at first during the transatlantic slave trade and for centuries afterwards, through domestic slave trade. These songs were sung in churches, cotton fields, and as "signal songs” on the Underground Railroad.

In addition to performing, Rivera is the founder of Danny Rivera Productions, a studio and archive, housing his work. He has earned a degree in vocal performance from the Longy School of Music. 

His socio-political commentary and deep commitment to movements of liberation were prompted early on by his parents, allowing him to develop creative practices for community healing. Rooted in regenerative art, Rivera’s music and justice driven agenda aims to shed light on issues of racism, Jim Crow, and the prison system. Rivera is the Founder and Artistic Director for the Artist Initiative for Revolution. 

Rivera has won a number of awards including El Mundo’s 30 under 30 award and Boston’s Most Influential Men of Color award.