Machito
By Robert Leaver
Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo was born in the heart of Havana, Cuba where his father manufactured cigars. His musical talent was evident when as a mere child he sang and danced around the factory entertaining the workers. He became known by his nickname, Machito or “little macho,” as he sang and played maracas in various groups before relocating to New York City. By 1940 he was making his mark as a bandleader and throughout the 40s and 50s he would remain at the vanguard of Afro-Cuban jazz. He was instrumental in connecting the Latin and African-American musical realms; his group served as a bridge between Spanish and Black Harlem mixing jazz and Afro-Cuban musical elements. In doing so Machito &... Read More
- City Of Origin:
- Havana, Cuba
- Genre:
- World, Jazz, Latin Jazz
- Birthdate:
- 02/16/1912
- Death date:
- 04/15/1984
