Cuban Pete

Desi Arnaz

About Cuban Pete

Cuban Pete is a 1946 black-and-white musical comedy film released in the United States. It was directed by Jean Yarbrough and starred the Cuban-born actor and musician Desi Arnaz. The film with a simple comedy plot contains many numbers of Cuban music and dance, including the song "Cuban Pete" by Joseph Norman. It was used in: the television show I Love Lucy (episodes: "The Diet," with Lucille Ball as Sally Sweet and "Lucy Goes to a Rodeo" as an alternative version, "Texas Pete") the 1994 film The Mask


Year:
1996
3:07
898 
#3

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They raved about Sloppy Joe
The latin labarrio
But Havana has a new sensation
He's really a modest guy
Although he's the hottest guy in Havana
And here's what he has to say

They call me Cuban Pete
I'm the king of the rhumba beat
When I play the maracas I go chick chicky boom, chick chicky boom

Yes sir I'm Cuban Pete
I'm the craze of my native street
When I start to dance everything goes chick chicky boom

The senoritas, they sing and how they swing with this rumbero
It's very nice, so full of spice
And when they're dancin they bring a happy ring the maraquero
Singin a song, all the day long

So if you like the beat
Take a lesson from cuban pete,
And I'll teach you to chick chicky boom, chick chicky boom

Si, senorita, I know that you will like the chicky boom chick
'Cause it's the dance of latin romance
And Cuban Pete doesn't teach you in a hurry like Authur Murry
You're now in Havana and there's always manyana

So senorita please
Take it easy, do it with ease
And you'll love it when you do the
Chick chicky boom, chick chicky boom

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Desi Arnaz

Desi Arnaz (March 2, 1917 – December 2, 1986) was a Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer. While he gained international renown for leading a Latin music band, the Desi Arnaz Orchestra, he is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the American TV series I Love Lucy, starring with Lucille Ball, to whom he was married at the time. He is generally credited as the inventor of the rerun. more »

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Written by: JOSE NORMAN

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Cuban Pete" was originally written by Joseph Norman (José) Norman in 1936. Norman was an English song-writer known for his Latin American hits.
Artist Background
Desi Arnaz, who popularized "Cuban Pete," was a Cuban-born American actor, musician, bandleader, and television producer. He is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in the classic American TV sitcom "I Love Lucy" where he starred alongside his real-life wife, Lucille Ball.
Song Popularity
"Cuban Pete" became one of Arnaz's signature songs, and he often performed it on the "I Love Lucy" show.
Symbol of an Era
The song's catchy melody and distinctive Latin rhythm made it emblematic of the Mambo dance craze that swept the United States in the 1940s and 1950s.
Film Presence
"Cuban Pete" has been featured in several films. Notably, Jim Carrey performed the song in the 1994 film "The Mask".
Political Context
During the 1940s and early 1950s, Arnaz's "Cuban Pete" countered some of the anti-Latinx sentiments prevalent in the U.S., serving as a reminder of the shared cultural experiences between the U.S. and its southern neighbors.
Unique Instrumentation
Desi Arnaz's version of "Cuban Pete" often included a large backing band with a full brass and percussion section, reflecting his love for big-band Latin music.
Dance Accompaniment
Whenever "Cuban Pete" was performed in "I Love Lucy," it was almost always accompanied by a characteristic Mambo dance, emphasizing the song's infectious rhythm.
Signature Phrase
The phrase "chick-chicky-boom," repeated throughout the song, became a signature catchphrase associated with Arnaz and his performances.
Recording
The song “Cuban Pete,” was first recorded by Ruth Coleman with Jack Harris & His Orchestra in 1936, but the 1946 version by Desi Arnaz brought it international popularity.
Cultural Impact
In addition to its presence in television and film, "Cuban Pete" has been referenced in various media, underscoring its enduring popularity and cultural resonance. It's been covered by several artists over the years, including Lou Bega and Cheo Marquetti.

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