Mario Bauzá was a Cuban musician and composer, born on April 28, 1911, in Havana, Cuba. He is best known for his significant contributions to the development of Latin jazz, blending traditional Cuban music with jazz elements. Bauzá played the trumpet and was a skilled arranger, working with many prominent artists throughout his career. In the 1940s, Bauzá moved to the United States, where he collaborated with famous musicians like Dizzy Gillespie and Machito. He was instrumental in introducing Afro-Cuban rhythms to the jazz scene, helping to popularize this fusion genre. Bauzá's influence continues to be felt in both jazz and Cuban music today.