Calixto Ferrer Pérez, known as "Carlos El Grande de Panamá," was born on February 2, 1952, in Aguas Claras, Panama. He is recognized as a talented sonero with indigenous Guami heritage from his mother and Carabalí ancestry from his father. Carlos has made notable contributions to the music scene, performing with esteemed ensembles such as the Orquesta de Jose Mangual, La Salsa Mayor, and the Orquesta de Ray Barretto. As a solo artist, he continues to showcase his vibrant style and rhythm.

Carlos began his artistic journey in 1970 in Panama when he was discovered by a wrestling colleague who heard him singing in the shower at the Maranon gym. Impressed by the young man's voice, he encouraged Carlos to participate in an amateur talent show called Miércoles de Alergia on Radio Mía. This experience prompted Carlos to pursue opportunities in singing, a talent he had not previously recognized in himself. He enrolled in the Conservatorio Nacional de Panamá, where he studied singing and music theory for two years, following the advice of boxer Gilberto “El Puma” Herazo.

Continuing to perform as an amateur on the television program “El Dos Busca Uno” on Channel 2, Carlos returned to Radio Mía, where he competed alongside fellow youths such as Roberto “Mano de Piedra” Duran and Carlos Martinez. His talent earned him the title of Aficionado del Año in 1971. Carlos was subsequently discovered by the musical group Los Babys, led by Jorge Luis Aguilar, and recorded his first 45 RPM, featuring "En tus brazos Morena" on side A and "Con Quien" on side B. However, the co-producer expressed dissatisfaction with Carlos's performance, feeling he could do better himself.

After the disbandment of Los Babys, Carlos joined the group Los Enterprises, gaining recognition in the city. He was later invited by saxophonist Alexis Batista to join the Orquesta de La Fuerza Aerea Nacional de Panamá. Approximately a year and a half later, Los Babys reunited under the new name Los Excelentes, where Carlos recorded his second 45 RPM. The A-side, "Todo esta sabroso," was sung by Carlos Martinez, while Carlos El Grande voiced the B-side "Se que Partiras," which became a national hit. Following this, Carlos Martinez rejoined “Los Mozambiques” led by Oscar “Chin” De Leon, leaving Carlos El Grande as the principal singer of Los Excelentes, where he produced hits such as "Noches Felices" and "Te Espero."

Due to misunderstandings and difficulties within Los Excelentes, Carlos departed the group, coinciding with Carlos Martinez's exit from Los Mozambiques. Carlos El Grande then joined Los Mozambiques, recording tracks like "Por El amor de una Mujer," "Cocorollo," "Lo que te voy a decir," and "Hombe’ Je." Eventually, Carlos left Los Mozambiques to join Freddy y sus 7 Potencias at the San Remo Night Club, but later rejoined Los Excelentes, contributing to hits such as "Rosaura," "Entre Palmeras," "Tamborito Calypso," and "Sonerito."

In 1976, while alternating performances with Los Excelentes and Oscar D'Leon’s orchestra in Panama, Oscar took note of Carlos's voice and style, proposing a move to Venezuela with a legal contract. However, the contract was not honored, leaving Carlos inactive for nearly a year as orchestras hesitated to recruit him due to the existing agreement with Oscar D'Leon. During this time, he performed with a group from Penonome alongside guitarist Orlando Moreno. Shortly thereafter, the late Venezuelan singer Leo Pacheco sought out Carlos in Panama, bringing him to Venezuela to further his musical career.