Five Legends of Latin Jazz

Frank "Machito" Grillo was a singer and maracas player from Cuba who moved to New York after traveling there while on tour with a Cuban ensemble. Soon he began leading his own band, the Afro-Cubans, who performed Cuban songs that were arranged by American jazz composers. The Afro-Cubans became one of the foremost Latin jazz ensembles in history, and featured the top jazz artists of all time, including Dexter Gordon and Cannonball Adderley. Machito's large ensemble setting of Latin jazz is upheld by the Machito Orchestra, led by his son Mario, and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. Read my profile of Machito, one of the fathers of Latin jazz.

Mario Bauzá developed his trumpet skills in Cuba, and learned the subtleties of jazz in New York City. His collaborations with the great Latin musicians, including his brother-in-law Machito, as well as the top bebop musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, lit the fuse for an explosion of Latin jazz in the 1940s and 50s. Read my profile of Mario Bauzá.

Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, Tito Puente aspired to be a dancer until he injured his leg as a boy. Inspired by jazz drummer Gene Krupa, he began to study percussion, and soon became the most famous timbales player on the scene. Puente's talent and charisma as a performer allowed his orchestra to become the preeminent Latin jazz group. Read Tito Puente's full profile.

Ray Barretto learned to play percussion on the head of a banjo while stationed in Germany as a U.S. soldier. It was then that he decided to devote his life to music, and upon returning to New York, he became one of the most sought after conga players. As a bandleader he won the hearts of Latin music and jazz audiences. Read my full profile of Ray Barretto.

Eddie Palmieri began his music career as a drummer. When he switched to piano, he kept a percussive approach, and incorporated the harmonies of Thelonious Monk. This made his band, which famously included two trombones, one of the most hard-hitting and experimental Latin jazz small groups around. Read my profile of Eddie Palmieri.
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