In the 1960s, Peraza was a member of Cal Tjader's band for six years. He was encouraged to perform and record in southern California by jazz drummer Shelly Manne. Peraza performed throughout the area at such venues as Shelly's Manne-Hole (owned Manne) and The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. A highlight was performing with the Stan Kenton Band at the Hollywood Bowl. Through his friendship with Manne, he was introduced to Judy Garland, who hired Peraza to play in her orchestra for "The Judy Garland Show", a television series that ran from 1963 to 1964. In the fall of 1964, he recorded the album "Soul Sauce" with Tjader. The single "Guachi Guaro" won a Grammy Award in 1965.