Luis Maldonado’s journey is one defined by passion, persistence, and an unshakable dedication
to music. Born in Nogales, Mexico, and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Luis immigrated to the United
States with his parents as a young child. By the age of 14, he had relocated to California, a
move that would further shape his deepening connection to music and performance.
Luis’s love for music began early. At age 7, he picked up the guitar and also joined his school
orchestra, quickly immersing himself in classical training. At age 11, he began studying classical
guitar under master instructors at the University of Arizona, where he honed his skills through
private lessons and masterclasses until his move to California. There, his musical world
expanded further — participating in after-school programs, joining bands, and constantly
playing, writing, and recording. “There was never a moment I wasn’t doing music,” he reflects.
He pursued higher education in a college focused on recording and production, where he
developed expertise in studio work and sound engineering while continuing to play in bands and
collaborate with other musicians. His versatility as a guitarist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist
quickly became apparent.
Luis’s professional break came when he began session work with Mike Varney’s Shrapnel
Records, known for showcasing virtuosic guitar talent. He contributed to recordings for
legendary artists such as Michael Schenker and UFO, eventually leading to a touring role with
UFO in 2000. During this period, Luis established himself as a sought-after session musician in
San Francisco, recording with a variety of independent and established artists.
In 2003, he moved to Los Angeles and met John Waite, whom he began playing with, calling it
“an amazing high-energy rock experience.” During his time with John, Luis contributed to a live
album entitled In Real Time and was a writer on John’s Rough and Tumble album that debuted
as #1 on Classic Rock Radio. This period saw him collaborating with a wide range of artists
including Glenn Hughes, Big elf, Anna Nalick, and producers such as Patrick Leonard, Steve
Lilly White, John Goodmanson, and multiple sessions with notable artists.
Luis was also featured
prominently in industry publications such as Guitar World and Vintage Guitar Magazine.
Luis’s trajectory continued upward as he began working with Pat Monahan of Train, co-writing
for the Saving San Francisco album which earned a GRAMMY. At the same time, Luis
separately signed a record deal for his own band, Into The Presence, which featured him as the
principal singer and songwriter. The album received multiple 4- and 5-star reviews, including
from The Washington Post. In 2013 Luis found a pivotal role in joining Lisa Marie Presley’s live
band. While touring extensively they performed at iconic venues such as Memphis’s Levit Shell
(home of Elvis’ first live concert) and Graceland’s Jungle Room.
In 2015, Luis officially joined Train, bringing a new wave of energy to the band during a five-year
run that included the hit single “Play That Song,” constant touring and performances at venues
such as the Hollywood Bowl, The Forum, and Madison Square Garden. He recorded three
albums with Train, solidifying his place as a central figure in their evolving sound.
After the global COVID pause of 2020, Luis returned to the road with renewed focus. In early
2021, he received a call from Foreigner founder Mick Jones, and a new chapter began. As a
multi-instrumentalist with Foreigner, Luis quickly became a dynamic presence on stage.
He cites
“Cold as Ice,” “Feels Like the First Time,” “Hot Blooded,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is”
among his favorite songs to perform.
Maldonado cherishes the camaraderie within Foreigner, especially at the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame induction, memorable performances at The Greek Theatre, and shows with original
members Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood and Rick Wills.
Recently, Luis acted as lead singer during a run of shows in South America, where original lead
singer Lou Gramm also joined as special guest. Luis is passionate about the opportunity to
perform with original members and is eager to help record unreleased material and explore new
sonic territory -- including Spanish-language re-recordings that are resonating strongly with a
growing Latin audience. In fact, Luis recently recorded a heralded Spanish-language version of
“I Want To Know What Love Is,” with Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist Joy Huerta to rave
reviews.
In 2025, Foreigner appeared on a national broadcast of The Voice, and on live television it was
announced that Luis was to become the new lead singer of Foreigner. This came to be as a
result of founding member Mick Jones, original lead singer Lou Gramm, and longtime recent
lead singer Kelly Hansen passing the torch to Luis.
From his first notes on the guitar as a child to stages across the globe, Luis Maldonado has built
a life in music — not just as a performer, but as a true steward of sound, energy, and
connection.