X-Nico

4 unusual facts about Xavier Cugat


Dick Stuart

An excerpt: "Every play hit his way was an adventure, the most routine play a challenge to his artlessness. It is hard to describe this to anyone who has not seen it, just as it is hard to describe Xavier Cugat or Allen Ludden. Stu once picked up a hot dog wrapper that was blowing toward his first base position. He received a standing ovation from the crowd. It was the first thing he had managed to pick up all day, and the fans realized it could very well be the last."

Esy Morales

In 1930 he moved to New York, and is credited on Xavier Cugat's album Cugat On Film, as well as other Cugat records.

Fair of Peace and Fraternity of the Free World

Xavier Cugat and his New York City Latin Band were contracted among others for entertainment.

Isabel Scott Rorick

Lucille Ball and Richard Denning played the Cugats, though their last name was soon changed to Cooper to avoid confusion with bandleader Xavier Cugat.


Bernard Bierman

After the war he was part of Tin Pan Alley, writing a multitude of songs that were performed by such artists as Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Harry James, Guy Lombardo, Sammy Kaye, Xavier Cugat and Jimmy Heath.

Bruce Stark

His caricature originals have been requested by many of his subjects, including Art Carney, Xavier Cugat, Buddy Hackett, Suzanne Pleshette, Priscilla Presley and Ted Williams.

Jens Winther

At the same time, he worked as a freelance trumpeter, playing with groups and musicians such as the Toshiko Akiyoshi Band, Eddie Palmieri, Kenny Barron, Max Roach, Tito Puente, Marie Bauza Orchestra, George Mraz and Xavier Cugat Orchestra.

Marco Rizo

Throughout his career, he arranged for hundreds of top artists: Carmen Miranda, Danny Kaye, Xavier Cugat, Yma Sumac, and Paquito D’Rivera, among many others.


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