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 | 1962–present |
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Arturo Sandoval was born on November 6, 1949. He is a famous Cuban-American musician. He plays the trumpet, piano, and timbales, and he also writes music. When he lived in Cuba, he was inspired by jazz musicians like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. In 1977, he met Gillespie, who became his good friend and helped him move from Cuba to the United States. Sandoval became an American citizen in 1998. His 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, several Billboard Awards, and one Emmy Award. He has performed at important places like the White House and the Super Bowl in 1995. In 2024, he received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors.
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Arturo Sandoval's Early Life and Music Journey
Arturo Sandoval grew up in a small village in Cuba called Artemisa. His family was not wealthy. He started playing music when he was 13 years old in his village band. There, he learned the basics of music theory and how to play percussion instruments. After trying many different instruments, he decided to focus on the trumpet. He often played with other musicians on the streets.
In 1964, Sandoval went to the Cuban National School of Arts. He studied classical trumpet for three years. He was so good that he earned a spot in Cuba's best national band. He also helped start a band called Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna, which later became the famous band Irakere in 1973. By 1981, he was touring all over the world with his own music group.
Meeting Dizzy Gillespie and Moving to the U.S.
In 1982, Arturo Sandoval started touring with Dizzy Gillespie, a legendary jazz trumpeter. Gillespie became a close friend and mentor to Sandoval. From 1982 to 1984, Sandoval was named Cuba's Best Instrumentalist. He also performed as a special guest with famous orchestras like the BBC and Leningrad Symphony Orchestra.
In 1989, Dizzy Gillespie invited Sandoval to join his United Nations Orchestra. While on tour with this group, Sandoval visited the American Embassy in Athens, Greece. Gillespie helped him with his plan to leave Cuba and move to the United States. Sandoval officially became an American citizen on December 7, 1998.
Performing and Teaching Music
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.
In 2014, Sandoval performed at the Eastman Theatre with other talented musicians. He has also shared his knowledge by teaching music at universities like Florida International University and Whitworth University, where he leads the jazz ensemble. He has performed with major orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the National Symphony Orchestra.
In 1996, the Kennedy Center Ballet asked Sandoval to create the music for a ballet called Pepito's Story. This ballet was based on a book by Eugene Fern and choreographed by Debbie Allen. Sandoval also wrote a classical trumpet concerto, which he performed and recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra.
Arturo Sandoval's Awards and Special Recognitions
Arturo Sandoval has received many important awards for his music. The music he wrote for the movie about his life won an Emmy Award. His music and performances can also be heard in the movie The Mambo Kings. This film was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1992 for its instrumental music.
His song "A Mis Abuelos" (which means "To My Grandparents") was nominated for two Grammy Awards: Best Instrumental Composition and Best Arrangement. This song was featured on his Grammy-winning album called Danzon.
On November 20, 2013, the President of the United States, Barack Obama, gave Sandoval the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is one of the highest honors a civilian can receive in the U.S. In 2024, Arturo Sandoval was also honored with the Kennedy Center Honors, which celebrates artists for their lifetime contributions to American culture.
Other Projects and Appearances
Arturo Sandoval also helps other musicians. In 2015, he joined the judging panel for the 14th annual Independent Music Awards. He had also been a judge for these awards in 2010, 2012, and 2013. This helps independent musicians get recognized for their work.
In 2018, Sandoval played the trumpet solo in a music video for Leonid and Friends' cover of the song "Street Player" by the band Chicago.
Images for kids
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Arturo Sandoval at the 1984 International Jazz Festival in Prague
See also
In Spanish: Arturo Sandoval para niños
