Machito (born Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo, February 16, 1908? – April 1… Read Full Bio ↴Machito (born Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo, February 16, 1908? – April 19, 1984) was an influential Latin jazz musician who helped to refine Afro-Cuban jazz and to create both Cubop and salsa music. He was raised in Havana alongside the singer Graciela, his foster sister.
In New York City, Machito formed the band the Machito & His Afro-Cubans in 1940, and with Mario Bauzá as musical director, brought together Cuban rhythms and big band arrangements in one group. He made numerous recordings from the 1940s to the 1980s, many with Graciela as singer. Machito changed to a smaller ensemble format in 1975, touring Europe extensively. He brought his son and daughter into the band, and received a Grammy Award in 1983, one year before he died.
Machito's music had an effect on the lives of many musicians who played in the Afro-Cubans over the years, and on those who were attracted to Latin jazz after hearing him. George Shearing, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Stan Kenton credited Machito as an influence. An intersection in East Harlem is named "Machito Square" in his honor.

Holiday
Machito and His Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Happy holiday, happy holiday
While the merry bells keep ringing
May your ev'ry wish come true

Happy holiday, happy holiday
May the calendar keep bringing
Happy holidays to you

Overall Meaning

The song "Holiday" by Machito and His Orchestra is a cheerful tune that celebrates the joy and happiness of holidays. The opening line itself sets the tone for the rest of the song, expressing a sense of delight and cheer emanating from the ringing of merry bells. The song, quite simply, wishes the listener a happy holiday season and hopes that all their wishes come true, symbolizing the hope that often surrounds the holiday season.

Line by Line Meaning

Happy holiday, happy holiday
Let us celebrate and enjoy the festive season with all our heart

While the merry bells keep ringing
As we hear the joyful sound of ringing church bells

May your ev'ry wish come true
Wishing you all the joy and happiness you could ever dream of

May the calendar keep bringing
Hopeful that as time passes, we will continue to experience happy holidays together

Happy holidays to you
Season's greetings and a happy new year to you and your loved ones

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Irving Berlin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS