King Of The Mambo: The Singles Collection 1949-62 - CD

Perez Prado was Cuban pianist, composer, arranger and bandleader who was one of the most prominent personalities who popularised the mambo Latin dance during the early 1950s, his profile and success brining him the accolade of "The King Of The Mambo". Born in 1916, he was a popular bandleader in Havana during the late 1940s before moving to Mexico in 1949 to start his recording career, and moving to the USA in the early '50s. He caused a sensation by topping the charts with "Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White" in 1955 on both sides of the Atlantic, and following with another No. 1 "Patricia" in 1958. This 83-track 3-CD collection comprises early sides from his Mexican releases and most of the A and B sides of his singles in the USA for RCA during this era. It includes his two No. 1 singles with "Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White" and "Patricia", plus other US hits with "Guaglione", "Paris" and "Patricia Twist". The album is a feast of infectious and evocative Latin music, featuring many of Prado's compositions as well as mambo treatments of popular standards. It's a substantial and entertaining showcase for an innovative and influential artist.