Xavier Cugat (Catalan: [ʃəβiˈe kuˈɣat]; January 1, 1900[1] – October 27, 1990) was a Spanish musician and bandleader who spent his formative years in Havana, Cuba. A trained violinist and arranger, he was a leading figure in the spread of Latin music. In New York City he was the leader of the resident orchestra at the Waldorf–Astoria before and after World War II.