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Even the most ardent cynic must admit that the American popularity of "El Manicero" (The Peanut Vendor) [#1] shows remarkable sophistication. At the very least, the publlic knew good dance music when it heard it. Moises Simons wrote the music, and Don Azpiazu and his Orchestra introduced this Cuban jazz number to the States. The vocalist is Antonio Machin. Marion Sunshine and L. Wolfe Gilbert wrote English words for the tune. In the same year Lawrence Tibbett sang this song in the film Cuban Love Song, and thirteen years later Judy Garland sang it in A Star Is Born (Shapiro 1436). The Latin roots of this tune would enable it to become a standard for jazz and ska bands.
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