BIOGRAPHY
My name is Al Gonzales and I've been playing the Pipes since my days as a teenager in Leonia, NJ. In 2006, I retired from the NYPD, leaving behind the wild odyssey of being a radio car cop in the South Bronx, a job I truly enjoyed and miss every day, for the world of entertainment.... Performing is my passion and I've been fortunate to be able to share my music worldwide and to meet so many wonderful people along the way. I've also been writing a book titled "From the Boogie Down Bronx to Buckingham Palace" which details my experiences in the NYPD and meeting and performing for Queen Elizabeth II. 

       Front Page / NY Post   Delivering a baby on Christmas Day
In August 2003, I was invited by Queen Elizabeth II to visit and perform for her at her summer residence, Balmoral Castle in Scotland. My dear friend Jim Motherwell, the Queen's Piper, arranged the visit and it was an experience that I will never forget. I'm told that I am the only American Piper ever to do so, and I even managed to have a very nice private conversation with The Queen, who was so gracious and friendly. My visit was featured in Majesty Magazine and my local newspaper published the article below.  

  Piping in the shadow of              the Eiffel Tower 
I'll always remember the time I spent with Mother Teresa and Princess Diana.  
They were both women of grace and distinction and being a bodyguard for them was truly an honor. Ray Kerrison of the New York Post thought my experiences would make for an interesting column. 
I recently had the honor to perform for the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese
                       Another Happy Bride !
      This photo recently won an award from the 
      New York Wedding Photographer's Society
My son Griffin played baseball at and graduated from Don Bosco Prep and was recruited to play college ball. 
He has now graduated from Clemson University and works in Manhattan in Finance for Bank of America. 
     Receiving an award during
        my service in the NYPD
             Majesty Magazine Article
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I have a new album that I'm in the studio recording at present