Mario Bauzá (April 28, 1911 – July 11, 1993) was a Cuban musician, and is often credited with being one of the founding fathers of Afro-Cuban jazz, a genre that combined traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms with the improvisational nature of jazz. Born in Havana, Cuba, Bauzá was a clarinetist, saxophonist, and trumpeter who played a critical role in the development and popularization of Latin jazz and mambo. His professional career began in the 1920s, and he eventually moved to New York where he became deeply involved with the burgeoning jazz scene.

Throughout his illustrious career, Bauzá significantly contributed to the shaping of the sound of the big band era and was crucial in integrating Afro-Cuban rhythms into mainstream jazz. In 1941, he became the musical director for Machito and his Afro-Cubans, a role that allowed him to innovate and experiment, leading to the creation of new styles and sounds that still influence music today. Though Bauzá passed away in 1993, his legacy has lived on through his recordings and the musical standards he set. His works such as "My Time Is Now," "Tanga," and "Afro-Cuban Jazz" are considered classics in the genre, and they continue to resonate with audiences, representing a bridge between different cultures and eras of music. Bauzá's vision, passion, and artistry established an enduring foundation for Latin jazz, allowing subsequent generations of musicians to explore and expand upon his seminal contributions.