Graciela Perez-Grillo
August 23, 1915 – April 7, 2010
Known as the “First Lady of Latin Jazz,” Graciela Perez-Grillo was pioneering Afro-Cuban jazz singer who got her start in New York City during the 1940s. Perez-Grillo was born in Cuba to a musical family that also included fellow Latin jazz great, Machito. Perez-Grillo won several Grammys and even lead her own big band in 1942, making her the first woman in history to do so. She was best known for songs like “This is Graciela,” and “That’s the Way I Am.” Graciela Perez-Grillo was 94 when she passed away on April 7, 2010.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.