Arnaz and Lucille Ball co-founded and ran the television production company Desilu Productions , originally to market I Love Lucy to television networks. He was also the bandleader of his Latin group, the Desi Arnaz Orchestra. He was known for playing conga drums and popularized the conga line in the United States. His father was Santiago's youngest mayor and also served in the Cuban House of Representatives.
The Cuban Revolution of forced Arnaz and his family to lose everything and flee Cuba. A mob attacked and destroyed the family's houses, property, and livestock. His father, Alberto Arnaz, was jailed and all of his property was confiscated. He was released after six months when his father-in-law, Alberto de Acha, intervened on his behalf. The family then fled to Miami, where Desi attended high school; his classmates included Albert 'Sonny' Capone, only child of Chicago mobster Al Capone.
Arnaz' family came to the U. His first jobs included working at Woolworth's and cleaning canary cages in Miami. He then went into the tile business with his father before turning to show business full time.
After finishing high school, Arnaz joined a band, the Siboney Septet, [ 9 ] and began making a name for himself in Miami. Xavier Cugat , after seeing Arnaz perform, hired him for his touring orchestra, playing the conga drum and singing. Becoming a star attraction encouraged him to start his own band, the Desi Arnaz Orchestra. Arnaz and his orchestra became a hit in New York City's club scene, including a club named La Conga, where he is credited with introducing the concept of conga line dancing to the United States.
The show was a hit and RKO Pictures bought the movie rights. Arnaz and Ball fell in love during the film's production and eloped on November 30, Arnaz appeared in several movies in the s such as Bataan , starring Robert Taylor His portrayal of Felix Ramirez, the jive-loving California National Guardsman, was described by New York Times critic Bosley Crowther as one of several supporting players who were "convincing in soldier roles".
