Introduction
Pupi Campo (May 1, 1920 in Havana, Cuba – December 12, 2011 in Las Vegas) was a Cuban entertainer, dancer, and band leader. He was born Jacinto Campillo to Jacinto and Dolores Trujillo Campillo.
Starting as a dancer to a band at the Eden Concert nightclub, he eventually fronted his own band, which featured in Jack Paar's Morning Show from 1954 to 1956. Later he became dubbed "the rumba maestro" by the New York Daily Mirror. In 1970 he moved to Las Vegas, where he set up the jazz club "Cleopatra's Barge," inside Caesar's Palace.
A number of future Latin music stars, including Tito Puente, Joe Loco and Cachao López, used to play with the Pupi Campo Orchestra. Tito Puente was the orchestra's musical director for two years.
Personal
Pupi Campo was married three times: to "Latin bombshell" actress Diosa Costello, to singer Betty Clooney (sister of Rosemary Clooney), and to Joette. He is survived by a son, Carlos Alejandro Campo, and three daughters, Cari Leary, Cathi Muckle and Cristina Stretz, all from his marriage to Betty Clooney; a sister, Jo Ann Herrera; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Discography
- "Pupi Campo And His Sextet", Mambo Americana Vol. 1, instrumentals, 45", Coral, EC 81093
- A1: La Vie En Rose (Bolero-Mambo)
- A2: Love (Guaracha)
- B1: Crazy Rhythm
- B2: Sweet And Lovely
- Pupi Campo and His Orchestra / Miguelito Cuba and His Orchestra - 12 Cha-Chas And Merengues, Vinyl, LP, Hollywood Records – LPH 23