DESCRIPTION:
The Lecuona Cuban Boys travelled from Cuba to Europe in 1936 and while there, recorded with several prominent European artists. Elayne Celis recorded the wonderful Tendre Bolero with the Boys and Josephine Baker recorded this version of La Conga Blicoti. The Lecuona Cuban Boys were founded by Ernesto Lecuona who never played in the band but acted as its' patron. Lecuona was an exceptional pianist and would occasionally give concerts before the band played. While on tour in Europe in 1934, Ernesto gifted the band his name and gave them a right to use a number of his compositions (both generous gifts were extremely valuable to the band). Ernesto Lecuona was a prolific Cuban composer creating over 600 works in the Cuban style. Many of his works were introduced to north American audiences by Lucille Ball's husband, Desi Arnaz. If you would like more information on Josephine Baker, search "Then I'll Be Happy" presented on this channel.
This song is dedicated to my good friend Mike W. who lived in Ernesto Lecuona's home in Havana in the 1950s.