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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)
Belgium
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 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)
Belgium