Xavier Cugat, a Catalan-American musician and bandleader, was instrumental in popularizing Latin American music in the United States. Born in Girona, Spain, in 1900, he emigrated to Cuba during his childhood and later to the U.S. A classically trained violinist, Cugat led the resident orchestra at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel from 1933 to 1949, introducing audiences to vibrant Latin rhythms. His orchestra featured future stars like Desi Arnaz and Abbe Lane. Cugat's dynamic performances and recordings left an indelible mark on the music scene, earning him the title "Rumba King." ([britannica.com](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Xavier-Cugat?utm_source=openai))