The 1950s and pre-Beatles 1960s were the golden years for the Latin musicians that were called the "Mambo Kings". Tito Puente, Perez Prado and Desi Arnaz led the pack as foreign tourists swarmed Havana to enjoy the warm Caribbean breezes and hotter nightclubs.
Depending on your age, this list of Mambo King hits will either remind you of a kinder, gentler time or make you wonder at a generation that loved these classic tunes. In either case, I bet you recognize these melodies.
1. Cerezo Rosa (Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White)
This is the instrumental version from Perez Prado's
Cuban Originals album.
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2. Cuando Caliente El Sol (Love Me with All of Your Heart)
Lots of vocalists sang this song. Another good version is from Tito Puente's
The Best of the Sixties. But the one I remember is the popular tune in English. Click on the link to hear "The Bachelors" and go back in time.
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3. Quizas, Quizas, Quizas (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps)
The best known version of this song is probably by Doris Day. But I like this Spanish language version by Marisela from her
Historia de un Amor album.
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4. Besame Mucho
Trio Los Panchos often appeared together with Edie Gorme and were a staple of 1950's television variety shows. With voices and harmonies that perfectly showcase romantic music, this is a great version of an all time classic.
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5. Perfidia
So many versions, so little time to listen to them all. So I selected a surprise singer, Linda Ronstadt. From her
Frenesi album. Who even knew she had a Latin background before this album came out?
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6. Quien Sera (Sway)
Dean Martin made this song a hit and his version is still my favorite. It has been making a comeback lately as the background music for a number of movies. Check out the Pussycat Dolls singing "Sway" on the "Shall we Dance" DVD. You can find the song on most of the Dean Martin compilation CDs.
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7. Aquellos Ojos Verde
Another winner from Trio Los Ponchos.
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8. Solamente Una Vez (You Belong to My Heart)
There are many versions available of the popular 50s melody.
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9. Siboney
One of the most important figures in Cuban popular music was Ernesto Lecuona, the composer of the classic "Siboney".
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10. El Cumbachero
Say the name Desi Arnaz and "El Cumbachero" come to mind. With all the "I Love Lucy" reruns on cable, every generation has probably heard him sing his most famous song.
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