The legendary "Machito Orchestra" was founded in New York in 1939 by Cuban singer Frank "Machito" Grillo,and in 1941 jazz trumpeter Mario Bauza joined the band as Director. They were initially named "Machito and his Afro-Cubans," and they revolutionized Latin music with its fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and big band Jazz sounds. Their wildly successful Latin Nights launched the legendary Palladium Ballroom. One of the city's most popular orchestras for decades, the band included a "who's who" guest list of musicians over the years, including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, Buddy Rich, Cannonball Adderley, Doc Cheatham, Chico Freeman, and Jon Faddis. The band's 1943 hit "Tanga" is considered one of the first Afro-Cuban Jazz tunes to be recorded. In 1947, the orchestra performed the first Latin-Jazz concert ever held at New York's Town Hall, sharing the bill with the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Throughout the 70s, 80's, 90's, and the new millenium, the band continues to tour extensively in Europe and Japan, creating new aficionados of Cuban Salsa and Latin Jazz. Between tours, Machito worked as a volunteer counselor to youths and seniors at Project Return in the Bronx. His 1982 cd,''MACHITO AND HIS SALSA BIG BAND'' earned him a long overdue GRAMMY® Award, for Best Latin Album.In 1984, Machito died while on tour in London at age 75. His presence lives on with the Machito Orchestra, led by his son, multi-percussionist Mario Grillo, and the band remains at the vanguard of the Latin music movement, playing concerts, dances, and clubs around the world, whilst retaining a strong "Afro-Cuban" foundation.