Xavier cogat biography

At the age of eight, he started learning to play the violin and became the first violinist of the National Theater in Havana at the age of twelve. With a blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and flamenco, Cugat showcased his unique style of playing. InCugat and his family immigrated to the United States. For sixteen years, Cugat and his orchestra represented the Waldorf-Astoria hotel.

Success in Hollywood After movies started using sound, Xavier Cugat realized that he could make a good living by composing "tropical" music for Hollywood films. Cugat had met the actress in California many years before, when she was a dancer known as Margarita Cansino. With his band, Cugat appeared in many more films—often as himself.

Xavier cogat biography: Biography. Born in Spain, Xavier

These events followed an earlier interest in movie making on the part of Cugat, who had previously made films including an ill-fated production during the early sound era. His marriage to Castillo ended unhappily in Cugat wed Lane that same year, and stayed married some 14 years, until he found her with another man. In he married the much younger singer-guitarist Charro Baeza, who is better known by her first name alone.

This marriage ended in and was said to be the only amicable divorce. Also, there is my temperament. I am Latin.

Xavier cogat biography: Xavier Cugat was a Spanish

I excite. For me, this is life. In he turned his act into the film Xavier Cugat and His Gigolos. His caricatures were nationally syndicated. They appeared in Photoplay magazine beginning with the November issue, under the byline "de Bru. Scott Fitzgerald 's novel The Great Gatsby. He replaced Jack Denny as leader of the hotel's resident band.

For sixteen years, he led the Waldorf-Astoria Orchestrashuttling between New York and Los Angeles for most of the next 30 years. Cugat's first appearance on screen was in the movie Cugat and His Gigolos, in At this time the popularity of Latin dance music, particularly Cuban, was on the rise. Realizing the commercial potential for his small band, Cugat moved them to New York City.

Cugat's band played there for 16 years and was the highest paid band to play at the time, even getting a cut of the cover charge.

Xavier cogat biography: Xavier Cugat (born Jan. 1, ,

It is thought that it was these radio shows that led Cugat and his band to the national popularity it eventually attained, especially when he was signed to The Caramel Caravan, a national radio program. At a Glance. Awards: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. Cugat and the Gigolos were featured in more films, beginning in Cugat's appearance in the movies made him a household name, including such old favorites as Stage Door Canteen,Bathing Beauty,This Time for Keeps,Neptune's Daughter, Eventually Cugat was given a few speaking parts, most times playing himself.