I would rather play Chiquita Banana and have my swimming pool than play Bach and starve.–Xavier Cugat, bandleader (1900-1990)
Xavier Cugat was the first band leader to front a successful Latin orchestra in the United States. He was married five times, the last time to Spanish guitarist and comic actress, Charo. Their wedding was the first at Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas strip.
Click here to listen to a song by his band.
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