Machito, born Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo, was a pioneering Cuban jazz musician who helped shape the Afro-Cuban jazz genre. He was a bandleader, singer, and maraca player who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s. Machito's band, known as Machito and his Afro-Cubans, was one of the first to blend jazz harmonies and big band arrangements with Afro-Cuban rhythms, creating a unique and influential sound that would inspire generations of Latin jazz musicians.

Throughout his career, Machito collaborated with many jazz greats, including Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, helping to bridge the gap between Latin music and American jazz. His innovative approach to music and his charismatic performances made him a key figure in popularizing Latin jazz in the United States and beyond. Machito's legacy continues to influence Latin jazz and salsa music to this day.

Genres

Jazz Cubano

Latin Jazz

Mambo

Musica Tradicional Cubana

Latest Release

Rhumba - Machito Afro Cuban Sound

Machito

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released May 24, 2024