Xavier Cugat

Xavier Cugat was a Catalan-American musician and bandleader born on January 1, 1900, in Girona, Spain, and he played a pivotal role in popularizing Latin music in the United States during the 20th century. Known as the "Rumba King," Cugat led the orchestra at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel from 1933 to 1949, recorded prolifically for decades, and made numerous film appearances, helping to introduce various Latin dances to American audiences. Cugat was also a caricature artist and owned several restaurants in Hollywood and New York, contributing to his enduring cultural legacy before his death on October 27, 1990.

GENRES: Popular, Latin, Instrumental

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