Band leader Edmundo Ros, the man credited with popularising Latin American music in the UK, has died at the age of 100.
His death was confirmed by showbusiness charity the Grand Order of Water Rats.
Secretary John Adrian said: “He died last night peacefully at his home in Spain, two months short of his 101st birthday."
Ros received an OBE for services to entertainment in the New Year Honours of 2000.
Royal rumba success
According to the Official Edmundo Ros Website, he was born in Trinidad in December 1910.
The family moved to Caracas, Venezuela, and he became the tympanist in the Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.
By 1937 he had moved to London to continue his classical studies, but instead became involved in popular music, forming his own five-piece Rumba Band in 1940 and making his first recording, for Parlophone, in 1941.
His performances at the Bagatelle Restaurant in London attracted the Royal Family and celebrities of the day, sealing his success.
His death was confirmed by showbusiness charity the Grand Order of Water Rats.
Secretary John Adrian said: “He died last night peacefully at his home in Spain, two months short of his 101st birthday."
Ros received an OBE for services to entertainment in the New Year Honours of 2000.
Royal rumba success
According to the Official Edmundo Ros Website, he was born in Trinidad in December 1910.
The family moved to Caracas, Venezuela, and he became the tympanist in the Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.
By 1937 he had moved to London to continue his classical studies, but instead became involved in popular music, forming his own five-piece Rumba Band in 1940 and making his first recording, for Parlophone, in 1941.
His performances at the Bagatelle Restaurant in London attracted the Royal Family and celebrities of the day, sealing his success.
