The man known as the Rumba King arrived in New York City on the SS Havana in 1915, marking the start of a career that defined Latin music in the United States. A classically trained violinist from Girona, he transitioned from orchestral work to leading residencies at prestigious venues and appearing in numerous motion pictures throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
Early Career and Artistic Endeavors
Born in 1900, he grew up in Cuba where he mastered the violin, eventually playing for the Teatro Nacional Symphonic Orchestra. Upon moving to the United States, he struggled to establish himself as a professional soloist, performing at Carnegie Hall in 1920 and 1922 and on WDY radio in 1921. Finding limited success, he turned to illustration, contributing caricatures to the Los Angeles Times and Photoplay magazine under the name de Bru. His musical career revived in Los Angeles after he formed a band for social gatherings, eventually performing at the Ambassador Hotel's Cocoanut Grove.
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In 1933, he replaced Jack Denny at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, initiating a sixteen-year tenure as the leader of the resident orchestra. He became a master of public performance, famously holding a chihuahua while conducting. His signature theme, My Shawl, opened every performance. A legal conflict in 1941 between the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and broadcasting networks benefited his career significantly. Because he held a vast library of non-society Latin tunes, he maintained a steady radio presence, securing a spot on the Camel Caravan program.
Recording and Cultural Influence
Over a forty-year span, he recorded prolifically for labels including RCA Victor, Columbia, Mercury, and Decca. His version of Perfidia reached hit status in 1940, while his 1943 recording of Brazil spent seven weeks at the number two position on the Billboard charts. He prioritized audience enjoyment, adapting his repertoire to include the conga, mambo, cha-cha-cha, and the twist. His bands served as a launchpad for talents like Dinah Shore, Desi Arnaz, and Abbe Lane. He held citizenship in Spain, the United States, and Cuba before his death in 1990 in Barcelona.
Fast facts
- Born: 1900, Girona
- Died: 1990, Barcelona
- Citizenship: Spain, United States, Cuba
- Notable Role: Leader, Waldorf-Astoria Orchestra
- Primary Instruments: Violin, Voice
- Awards: Saint George's Cross, 1990
- Burial Site: Girona Cemetery
- Commonly Known As: Rumba King
Questions readers ask
What was his signature performance style?
He was a showman who often conducted while holding a chihuahua and performed Latin dance music adapted for popular trends.
Did he have a background in classical music?
Yes, he was a trained violinist who performed with the Teatro Nacional Symphonic Orchestra in Havana and later as a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Achievements
- Instruments: violin and voice
- Genres: pop music and music of Latin America
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