Dámaso Pérez Prado, often hailed as the "King of Mambo," was a Cuban bandleader, organist, pianist, and composer whose infectious rhythms and energetic performances captivated audiences worldwide. Born on December 11, 1916, in Matanzas, Cuba, Pérez Prado became synonymous with the mambo movement of the 1950s. His innovative approach to arranging and his fusion of jazz with Cuban music led to a new, pulsating sound that became a dance craze across the globe.

Pérez Prado's career soared to international heights with hits like "Mambo No. 5" and "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White," the latter topping the US music charts in 1955. His flamboyant style and catchy compositions bridged cultural divides, bringing vibrant Latin rhythms to a mainstream audience and influencing countless artists across music genres. Prado's work remained influential long after the peak of the mambo craze, and his legacy endures through a vast discography celebrated in collections like "Colección Definitiva" and "Lo Mejor de Dámaso Pérez Prado." His death on September 14, 1989, marked the end of an era, but his spirit lives on through the timeless energy of his music, which continues to inspire and bring joy to listeners.

Genres

Mambo

Musica Tradicional Cubana

Space Age Pop

Related Artists

Tito Puente

Celia Cruz

Beny Moré

Machito

Tito Rodriguez

Eddie Palmieri

Mongo Santamaria

Cal Tjader

La Sonora Matancera

Frankie Knuckles

Ray Barretto

Art Blakey

Latest Release

Coleccion Definitiva

Pérez Prado

Album - 15 Tracks - Released April 11, 2024