Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Machito

Role / Field:

Pioneering Cuban jazz musician, key figure in Afro-Cuban jazz and salsa.

Born:

1912-02-16

Died:

1984-04-15

Century / Era:

1912s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Frank Grillo (born Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo; December 3, 1909 – April 15, 1984) known professionally as Machito (previously as Macho), was a Latin jazz musician who helped refine Afro-Cuban jazz and played a key role in the creation of both Cubop and salsa music. He was raised in Havana with his foster sister, the singer Graciela. 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.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

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, Cab Calloway and Stan Kenton credited Machito as an influence. An intersection in East Harlem is named "Machito Square" in his honor.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Machito gave conflicting accounts of...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Machito