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Machito

Machito (born Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo, December 3, 1909 – April 15, 1984) was a Latin jazz musician who helped refine Afro-Cuban jazz and create both Cubop and salsa music. He was raised in Havana with the singer Graciela, his foster sister.

In New York City, Machito formed the Afro-Cubans in 1940, and with Mario Bauzá as musical director, brought together Cuban rhythms and big band arrangements in one group. He made numerous recordings from the 1940s to the 1980s, many with Graciela as singer. Machito changed to a smaller ensemble format in 1975, touring Europe extensively. He brought his son and daughter into the band, and received a Grammy Award in 1983, one year before he died.

Machito's music had an effect on the careers of many musicians who played in the Afro-Cubans over the years, and on those who were attracted to Latin jazz after hearing him. George Shearing, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Stan Kenton credited Machito as an influence. An intersection in East Harlem is named "Machito Square" in his honor.

Birth and Death Data: Born February 16, 1912 (New York City), Died April 15, 1984 (London)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1938 - 1958

Roles Represented in DAHR: leader, vocalist, composer

Notes: Frank Grillo is known by his nickname, "Machito."

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings (Results 76-76 of 76 records)

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Decca 105852 10/27/1958 Rico vacilon Afro-Cubans ; Machito leader  
(Results 76-76 of 76 records)

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Machito," accessed November 25, 2024, https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/105915.

Machito. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved November 25, 2024, from https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/105915.

"Machito." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 25 November 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/105915

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