Luciano "Chano" Pozo González was born on January 7, 1915, in Havana, Cuba, to Cecelio González and Carnación Pozo. He grew up in a family that struggled with poverty, alongside three sisters, a brother, and an older half-brother, Félix Chappottín, who would become a renowned Cuban sonero. Chano's early life was marked by hardship, including the death of his mother when he was 11, after which his family moved to live with Cecelio's long-time mistress, Natalia.

Chano showed an early interest in drumming, participating in Afro-Cuban religious ceremonies. Despite dropping out of school after the third grade, he became known for his drumming skills, as well as his involvement in street life, which led to a stint in a youth reformatory at age 13. There, he honed his drumming skills and became a devotee of Santería, an Afro-Caribbean religion.

Chano Pozo's career began in Cuba, where he performed in comparsas and various ensembles. He later moved to New York, where he became a pivotal figure in the development of Latin jazz. He was the first Latin percussionist in Dizzy Gillespie's band and co-wrote influential compositions like "Manteca" and "Tin Tin Deo." His drumming, rooted in Afro-Cuban rhythms, brought a new energy to North American jazz.

Despite his brief life, Chano Pozo left an indelible mark on the music world. He died on December 3, 1948, in Harlem, New York, at the age of 33. His legacy endures as a foundational influence in Latin jazz, remembered for his originality and the cultural depth he brought to his music.