Machito

Machito
Machito and Graciela performing at Glen Island Casino, New York, late 1940s
Background information
Birth name	Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo
Also known as	Frank Grillo
Born	c. (1909-12-03)December 3, 1909
Origin	Havana, Cuba
Died	April 15, 1984(1984-04-15) (aged 74) London
Genres	Latin jazz Cubop
Instruments	Singing maracas
Years active	1928–1984

Machito (born Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo, December 3, 1909 – April 15, 1984) was a Latin jazz musician who helped refine Afro-Cuban jazz and create both Cubop and salsa music.^[1][2] He was raised in Havana with his sister, 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. 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.