Arturo Sandoval facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arturo Sandoval
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Sandoval performing in 2008
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| Background information | |
| Born | 6 November 1949 Artemisa, Cuba |
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| Occupation(s) | Musician |
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| Years active | 1977–present |
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Arturo Sandoval (born November 6, 1949) is a famous Cuban-American jazz musician. He plays the trumpet, piano, and timbales, and he also writes music. When he lived in Cuba, Arturo was inspired by jazz legends like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
In 1977, he met Dizzy Gillespie, who became his good friend and helped him move from Cuba to the United States. Arturo became an American citizen in 1998. His amazing life story was even made into a movie called For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story in 2000, starring Andy García.
Arturo Sandoval has won many awards, including 10 Grammy Awards and an Emmy Award. He has performed for important events, like at the White House and the Super Bowl in 1995. In 2024, he received the special Kennedy Center Honors.
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Life and Music Journey
Arturo Sandoval was born into a family that didn't have much money in Artemisa, a small village in Cuba. He started playing music when he was 13 years old in his village band. He learned about music basics and how to play percussion instruments. After trying many instruments, he chose the trumpet and played with musicians on the street.
In 1964, Arturo went to the Cuban National School of Arts. He took classical trumpet lessons for three years. He even earned a spot in Cuba's best national band! He helped start a band called Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna, which later became the famous band Irakere in 1973.
In 1981, Arturo started touring the world with his own music group. The next year, he toured with Dizzy Gillespie, who became a very important friend and teacher to him. From 1982 to 1984, he was named Cuba's Best Instrumentalist. He also played as a special guest with big orchestras like the BBC and Leningrad Symphony Orchestra.
In 1989, Dizzy Gillespie invited Arturo to join his United Nations Orchestra. While on tour with this group, Arturo visited the American Embassy in Athens, Greece. Dizzy Gillespie was with him and helped him with his plan to move from Cuba to the United States. Arturo officially became an American citizen on December 7, 1998.
Arturo Sandoval has played many different styles of music. He has performed Latin jazz with artists like Paquito D'Rivera and Tito Puente. He has also played Cuban music in Miami and classical music in England and Germany. In the 1990s, he was part of the GRP All-Star Big Band.
He has also taught music at universities like Florida International University and Whitworth University. He leads the jazz group at Whitworth. Arturo has performed with major orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the National Symphony Orchestra. In 1996, he wrote the music for a ballet called Pepito's Story. He also composed a classical trumpet concerto, which he performed and recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra.
Awards and Special Honors
Arturo Sandoval has received many awards for his incredible talent.
- His music for the movie about his life won an Emmy Award.
- His songs and performances for the movie The Mambo Kings were nominated for a Grammy Award in 1992.
- His song "A Mis Abuelos" (To My Grandparents) was nominated for two Grammy Awards. This song was on his Grammy-winning album Danzon.
- On November 20, 2013, President Barack Obama gave Arturo Sandoval the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is one of the highest awards a civilian can receive in the United States.
- In 2024, Arturo Sandoval was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors. This award celebrates artists who have greatly contributed to American culture.
Other Work
In 2015, Arturo Sandoval joined the judging panel for the 14th annual Independent Music Awards. He helped choose winners for independent musicians. He was also a judge for these awards in 2012 and 2013.
Filmography
Arturo Sandoval's music has been featured in many films, and he has also appeared in some. The movie For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story (2000) tells his life story. Other films he has been involved with include:
- 1985: Vampiros en La Habana
- 1996: Mr. Wrong
- 2018: The Mule
- 2019: Richard Jewell
See also
In Spanish: Arturo Sandoval para niños
Images for kids
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Sandoval at the 1984 International Jazz Festival in Prague
