Pupi Campo

Pupi Campo (May 1, 1920 in Havana, Cuba – December 12, 2011 in Las Vegas) was a Cuban entertainer, dancer and bandleader who spent most of his life in the United States. As a bandleader in the 1940s and 50s, he made numerous recordings for labels such as Seeco and Tico. His band featured percussionist and musical director Tito Puente and pianist Joe Loco.

Career
Starting as a dancer to a band at the Eden Concert nightclub, he eventually fronted his own band, which featured in Jack Paar's Morning Show from 1954 to 1956.  Later he became dubbed "the rumba maestro" by the New York Daily Mirror. In 1970 he moved to Las Vegas, where he set up the jazz club "Cleopatra's Barge," inside Caesar's Palace.

Two future Latin music stars, Tito Puente and Joe Loco, played with the Pupi Campo Orchestra in the late 1940s. Tito Puente was the orchestra's musical director for two years. In the 1970s, when Cachao moved to Las Vegas, he played in Pupi Campo's band, among others.

Personal life
Pupi Campo was born Jacinto Campillo to Jacinto and Dolores Trujillo Campillo. Pupi Campo was married three times: to "Latin bombshell" actress Diosa Costello, to singer Betty Clooney (sister of Rosemary Clooney) and to Joette. He is survived by a son, Carlos Alejandro Campo, and three daughters, Cari Leary, Cathi Muckle and Cristina Stretz, all from his marriage to Betty Clooney; a sister, Jo Ann Herrera; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Discography
"Pupi Campo And His Sextet", Mambo Americana Vol. 1, instrumentals, 45", Coral, EC 81093 
Pupi Campo and His Orchestra / Miguelito Cuba and His Orchestra - 12 Cha-Chas And Merengues, Vinyl, LP, Hollywood Records – LPH 23  
Rhumbas and Mambos 1948-1951 (1991; Tumbao Cuban Classics)

References

External links

Category:Cuban musicians
Category:American male musicians
Category:American musicians
Category:Mambo musicians
Category:American bandleaders
Category:Cuban bandleaders
Category:American male dancers
Category:Cuban male dancers
Category:1920 births
Category:2011 deaths
Category:People from Havana