Machito, << mah CHEE toh >> (1908?-1984), was one of the most influential figures in the history of Latin music. He led a band that pioneered in blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz improvisation. Afro-Cuban music is based on the African traditions of Cuba’s black population. Machito’s orchestra was also one of the most popular groups playing the Latin dance styles called salsa and mambo. The group won fame for its high energy, featuring driving bongo and conga drums and a powerful brass section. Machito sang and played the rattlelike percussion instrument known as maracas.
Machito was probably born on Feb. 16, 1908, in either Havana or Tampa and grew up in Cuba. His real name was Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo. Machito became a professional musician in Cuba as a teenager and moved to the United States in 1937. He began singing with Latin orchestras. In about 1940, he formed his own orchestra, the Afro Cubans. Mario Bauzá, Machito’s brother-in-law, was the music director. Bauzá was responsible for much of the orchestra’s success until he left the group in 1975.
During the late 1940’s and 1950’s, many notable jazz soloists recorded with Machito’s orchestra, including saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. Machito influenced the Latin jazz style of bandleader Stan Kenton beginning in the late 1940’s. Machito died on April 15, 1984.
See also Salsa .
