Cugat, Xavier

Xavier Cugat Popular Latin-styled bandleader Gerona, Spain, January 1, 1900; Barcelona, Spain, October 21, 1990. Cugat was a favorite on television during the early 1950s, when the cha-cha became popular, and he was an important vehicle for the new Latin sounds invading the Alley. He organized a band specializing in Latin music, and opened at the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles. Besides being the most famous bandleader in this style, Cugat was also a noted caricaturist. His artwork often appeared…