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Lecuona Cuban Boys
The Lecuona Cuban Boys was a renowned Cuban orchestra that gained international fame through its extensive world tours over a span of more than forty years. The band was originally founded by Ernesto Lecuona in 1931 under the name Orquesta Encanto, but it was renamed the Lecuona Cuban Boys in 1934. Although Lecuona himself did not perform with the band, he played a significant role as a patron-entrepreneur, sometimes giving piano recitals before the band's performances. He also allowed the band to use his compositions, which contributed to their success.

The band was known for its exceptional arrangements, compositions, and instrumental quality, with many members proficient in multiple instruments. Their repertoire covered a wide range of Cuban popular music, with a particular emphasis on the conga, a style they helped popularize globally. Despite lacking a top-tier Cuban singer, the band often performed instrumental numbers and engaged singers who could sing in English for non-Latin audiences.

Armando Oréfiche, a composer, arranger, and pianist, led the band, which included notable members such as Ernesto 'Jaruco' Vázquez, Adalberto 'Chiquito' Oréfiche, and Agustin Bruguera, among others. The band toured Europe extensively until 1939, performing in prestigious venues and sharing stages with famous artists like Maurice Chevalier and Josephine Baker.

During World War II, the Lecuona Cuban Boys shifted their focus to Latin America, performing in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela. After the war, a dispute led to a split, with Oréfiche forming the Havana Cuban Boys, while the remaining members continued under the original name, eventually settling in New York in 1949. The band continued to tour South America and Europe throughout the 1950s, maintaining their status as ambassadors of Cuban music.

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