Pérez Prado

Hailed the Rey del Mambo (the Mambo King) the Cuban arranger and band leader Damaso Pérez Prado was fundamental in creating the base of this sound. He began in the 40’s, blending Cuban music with jazz elements of the big bands to form a catching and highly danceable hybrid. Having been known in the beginning as pianist and arranger in the Cuban Orquesta Casino de la Playa, Prado’s popularity spread to México, Latin America and in the 50’s, to the U.S.

Given that his two number one hits, "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" and "Patricia," were more pop than mambo, Prado is sometimes unfairly remembered as an easy listening instrumentalist. In fact, most of his material is made up of dance songs, sudden bursts of sharp brass instruments, busy bongos and sometimes, ghostly organs.

His irresistible and powerful rhythms were accompanied by songs with great push and humor, punctuated by yells and grunts by various members of the band. One of the most popular musicians and leaders of Latin bands of his time, both in Latin America and in the U.S., his innovations were also widely appreciated by jazz musicians and fans. He was mostly forgotten by the American audience after 1960, but remained active until his death in 1989.

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