Antonio Machín

Antonio Machín, born on February 11, 1903, in Sagua la Grande, Cuba, was a Cuban-Spanish singer known for his contributions to boleros and popular music. He began singing at a young age, performing in local churches and theaters. His breakthrough came when he joined Don Azpiazu's orchestra in 1926, becoming the first black singer to perform at the Casino Nacional de La Habana. In 1930, Machín moved to New York with Azpiazu's orchestra, where he recorded Moisés Simons' "El manisero", which became a million-selling hit. Machín moved to Europe in 1936, performing in London and Paris before settling in Spain in 1939. His career in Spain was marked by hits like "Noche triste" and "Angelitos negros", which became a bolero classic. He collaborated with notable composers such as Osvaldo Farrés and Consuelo Velázquez. Machín's impact on Spanish music was significant, earning him the title of "el más cubano de los españoles y el más español de los cubanos." Machín passed away on August 4, 1977, in Madrid.