Ignacio Arsenio Travieso Scull, known professionally as Arsenio Rodríguez, was born on August 31, 1911, in Güira de Macurijes, Matanzas Province, Cuba. A composer, bandleader, and musician, he lost his sight at around seven years of age after being kicked in the head by a horse, but became proficient in playing the tres and the tumbadora. His breakthrough came as a songwriter in 1937 when his composition “Bruca maniguá” was recorded by Orquesta Casino de la Playa. In 1940, Rodríguez formed his own conjunto, which became one of the most successful popular dance ensembles of the decade. He introduced numerous innovations, including adding a conga drum, a second and third trumpet, and replacing the guitar with the piano. In 1952, he moved to New York City, where he collaborated with artists such as Chano Pozo, Machito, Dizzy Gillespie, and Mario Bauzá. His notable album releases include Quindembo (1963), and he performed on the rumba albums Patato y Totico (1967) and Primitivo. Rodríguez moved to Los Angeles in 1970 and died of pneumonia on December 30, 1970.
