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If you noticed blunt omissions, mis-interpretations or even out-and-out errors,
please let me know:
Arnold Rypens
Rozenlaan 65
B-2840 Reet (Rumst)
Artist: Banda Española
Author: traditional
Label: Columbia
Year: 1913
B-side of La Adelita (see there). Mexican vaquero song strongly associated with the Mexican Revolution. Cucaracha means cockroach in Spanish. Drug addicted reactionary general Huerta was mocked with the song; also La Cucaracha was the name of Pancho Villa's shining black automobile.
Covers:
Conway's Band [for Victor]
Amelia Aviles, Maria Garcia, José Chaques y Carlos Villarias [for Columbia; this version made it as Himno Nacional Mexicano - canto immortal de gloria, compared with La Marseillaise]
Orquesta Pajaro Azul [in film La Cucaracha]
Harry Roy [with foxtrot arrangement]
Bill Haley & His Comets [as Rockin Rita]
Earl Bostic [as La Cucaracha Cha Cha]
Trio Los Panchos [version with a cigar instead of a joint]
Skatalites [as Ska-Racha]
TNN [as La Cucamarcha; summer hit NL]
In 1934 used in two popular films: La Cucaracha and Viva Villa! (with King Kong starlet Fay Wray). Also by Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, King Curtis, The Champs, Los Machucambos and Los Paraguayos.
If you noticed blunt omissions, mis-interpretations or even out-and-out errors,
please let me know:
Arnold Rypens
Rozenlaan 65
B-2840 Reet (Rumst)