When I was a kid my introduction to Cuban music, or what then was referred to as Latin music, came from the I Love Lucy Show. Lucille Ball was married to and starred with Desi Arnaz in the 50s TV sitcom.
But Arnaz was a big name in the music scene of the day leading the Latin music band The Desi Arnaz Orchestra.
Arnaz began life in Santiago de Cuba where his family owned three ranches. But after the 1933 Cuba revolution, during which his father was arrested and jailed, his family fled to Miami.
Arnaz made his way to Hollywood where he starred in several pictures in the 1940s. In one picture he met Lucille Ball. They fell in love and married. In 1951 they began the successful I Love Lucy in which, surprise of surprises, he played a Cuban Band leader. Arnaz would go on to direct and produce TV shows and films. He died in 1986 of lung cancer.
Here’s a clip of his signature song – Bubalu. Watch him really “rock out” near the end of the video.
Thanks for sharing these cool facts I never knew. It’s interesting to know he was more than just “Ricky”.
Lindal: You’re welcome. And thanks for stopping by. Babalu!!!
Oops, sad when I don’t even spell my name right.
Linda: Ha, I thought there was something odd there, but hey.