Xavier Cugat was a Spanish-American musician and bandleader who became a central figure in the spread of Latin music in the United States. Born in Girona, Spain, he and his family emigrated to Cuba, where he trained as a classical violinist before moving to the U.S. He led the resident orchestra at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York for sixteen years, becoming a fixture in high society and popular culture. Cugat's flamboyant showmanship and infectious rhumba rhythms made him an international star, appearing in numerous films and popularizing Latin dance for decades.
Jan 01, 1900 -
Oct 27, 1990
Spanish-American
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