Anthony Carrillo was born in New York of Puerto Rican Heritage. Since his childhood, he showed a special interest in music. His father, Mr. Roman "Don Nan" Carrillo, was his first teacher. Through him, he was exposed to the music of "Ramito" (one of the greatest exponents of folkloric music in Puerto Rico) and Rafael Cortijo, so that his first influences were "Papi Andino" (Ramito's Bongo Player)and Roberto Roena (Cortijo's bongo player).

When he was about nine years old, Anthony's family returned to Puerto Rico. It was then that his father asked David Ortiz "La Mole," who was considered one of the best Rumberos in Puerto Rico, to teach his son the techniques and patterns of the Rumba, at the age of 13, Anthony was already part of the well Known National folkloric group Areyto, directed by Mrs. Irene Mcleane.

During the Early Eighties, anthony became a member of the famous folkloric group, La familia Cepeda, the formost exponents and keepers of the traditional styles "Bomba" and "Plena." After that, he became a member of Batacumbele along with Ruben "Cachete" Maldonado, Giovanni Hidalgo, Eddie "Gua Gua" Rivera and Papo Vazquez. From there on, Anthony has performed with artists such as Andres Jimenez, Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte, Kip Hanrahan, Eddie Palmeri, Descarga Boricua, Angel Olmos, Alex Acuna and Papo Vazquez Pirates Troubadours, just mention a few.