Juan Vicente Tizol Martinez was a composer and valve trombonist born on January 22, 1900, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. He is best remembered for introducing Latin rhythmic and melodic elements into the jazz mainstream through his work with Duke Ellington's orchestra, where he served from the early 1930s through the 1940s and again in later stints. Tizol's most enduring contributions to the jazz repertoire are "Caravan" and "Perdido," both of which became essential standards. "Caravan," composed in 1936, blended Middle Eastern-tinged harmonies with a driving rhythm that became one of the Ellington band's most frequently performed pieces. "Perdido," written in 1941 and featured on AllSolos, became a favorite among vocalists and instrumentalists alike for its swinging, accessible form. Beyond these two landmarks, Tizol composed a catalog of Latin-flavored big band pieces including "Conga Brava," "Moonlight Fiesta," "Pyramid," and "Moon Over Cuba." He also served as a crucial behind-the-scenes figure in the Ellington organization, working as a copyist and arranger. After his time with Ellington, Tizol worked with Harry James's band and contributed studio arrangements for sessions with Nelson Riddle, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. He died on April 23, 1984, in Inglewood, California.
