George Hernández

Cuban born composer, arranger and orchestra director, George was born February 19, 1931, in Cuba. George was a well-known orchestra conductor, composer, arranger and pianist in Las Vegas. When he arrived in Los Angeles in the early 50's, he joined the aggregation of Manny Lopez And His Orchestra, who at the time consisted of the best musicians available. In 1956 his path crossed with Tito Puente who was in LA as part of a West Coast tour. The Lopez group opened for Puente at the Zenda Ballroom. The following day Tito appeared as guest artist for Lopez on a recording session. George eventually assembled his own Latin orchestras and recorded several albums with producer Oliver Berliner and his Tropicana label. His incredible arrangements complimented such vocal talents as Olguita, Lita Baron, Bobby Ramos, Ray Vasquez, Juan Cheda, and Rudy Calzado. His early Las Vegas career began at the El Rancho in the 1950's. He worked his musical magic at Harrah's Hotel in Reno as resident conductor for several years before returning to Las Vegas. His work with the Manolo Torrente produced "Latin Fire" review at the Thunderbird Hotel was a sensation and was the hottest band in town, with Walfredo de los Reyes on drums, Luis Kant on percussion, Israel "Cachao" López on bass, and Rick Baptist on trumpet, to name a few. He conducted his orchestra at the Tropicana Hotel's "Folies Bergere," The Stardust Hotel's "Lido," and The Hilton Hotel's "Moulin Rouge," just to name a few. George conducted for many well-known stars as well as touring the world with Tony Martin, The Carpenters, and Korea's best known singer, Patti Kim. George rounded out his music career in Miami, recording and performing with the legendary Cuban singer Maggie Carles.