Miguelito Valdez

Valdez began singing in 1927 with groups that were just starting out. He decided that music was going to be his career while he was in Panama in the early 30’s. In June, 1937 he was the vocalist in the orchestra Casino de la Playa, which was among Cuba’s five most popular orchestras.

Valdez left Cuba for New York in April 1940 and joined Xavier Cugat’s band in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. His vocal innovations made him the most popular performer of Latin music. He began his solo career in 1942. He recorded for various labels, was seen in Cameo roles in 12 movies and decided to semi retire in 1955. He made a comeback in 1963 and hosted a television show for 10 years. He died onstage of a heart attack in Bogotá, Colombia in 1978.

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