Cuban Music is Popular the World Over
For such a small island, Cuba has asserted incredibly big influence over the music of many countries around the world. Long renowned for their great artists such as Tito Rodriguez, Ibrahim Ferrer, Celia Cruz, and many others, Cuban dance music has transcended popular music and crossed international and language barriers all around the globe.
History of Cuban Music
Cuba is known for great cigars, sultry women, rum drinks, beautiful beaches, and fantastic music. The great American writer and adventurer Ernest Hemingway made Cuba his second home and was famous for drinking Mojitos, smoking Romeo and Julieta cigars, and sport fishing. He wrote his famous and wonderful “The Old Man and the Sea” during the time he lived here and could be found holding court at his favorite Havana bar, “La Bodeguita del Medio” (translated as the little store in the center). In the 1950s Havana was THE destination for chic socialites and movie stars. They would stay at the centrally located Hotel Nacional and it was required that you be seen at the Tropicana nightclub. The Tropicana was the most famous nightclub in all of Cuba and featured the very finest Cuban music and musicians, along with dozens of gorgeous dancers in typical clothing and outlandish costumes. The Tropicana was world renown and famous for the quality of music and shows that were presented there nightly.
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Cuban music came back onto the scene in a big way in the late 90s with the release of “The Buena Vista Social Club” movie and CD. Featuring legendary Cuban musicians such as singer Ibrahim Ferrer, the Buena Vista Social Club became a huge international hit for the band and producer Ry Cooder, who was credited with discovering the group. Another great Cuban music band that has lasted over 40 years together is Los Van Van. Los Van Van won a Grammy Award about ten years ago and featured some of the greatest songs ever recorded. Their brand of music is generally called Salsa or Son Cubano and their leader Juan Formell has been hailed by many as a musical genius without equal.
Some of the other great Cuban groups of the last twenty to thirty years include Son 14 with the raspy, rum and cigar voice of their singer Tiburon (shark). Son 14 made many great records in the 80s and 90s, establishing themselves as one of the greatest Cuban music makers of all time.
Another fantastic and legendary band was NG La Banda which won fans all around the world with their melodic and infectious dance hits. Sierra Maestra was another great band from that same era. Cuban music has been around a long time and will continue to thrill audiences around the world.
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