'Besame Mucho' composer dies

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Consuelo Velazquez who composed 'Besame Mucho' in 1941 died in Mexico City on Saturday.

The tune had some marvellous jazz renditions. Grant Green included it in his 'Latin Bit' album, Art Pepper recorded several versions of the tune but the best jazz 'Besame Mucho' IMO remains the one that Barney Wilen recorded with Kenny Dorham and Duke Jordan on his 'Barney' RCA/BMG album recorded at the Club Saint-Germain in Paris.

From Reuters.

Mexican Composer of Global Hit 'Besame Mucho' Dies

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Consuelo Velazquez, composer of the romantic hit song, "Besame Mucho," or, "Kiss Me a Lot," died on Saturday from heart complications.

Velazquez, who is said to have begun playing the piano at the age of four, composed the romantic ballad Besame Mucho in 1941. The song was soon recorded by artists around the globe, making it an international hit.

Mexico's El Universal newspaper said Velazquez died from heart complications in a hospital, where she was being treated for a fall that occurred in November. She was 84.

A spokesman at the Mexican Society of Authors and Music Composers confirmed Velazquez's death, but could not confirm details.

The song "Besame Mucho" was recorded by contemporary and past singing greats including Sammy Davis (news) Jr., Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, The Beatles and Mexican crooner Luis Miguel, according to the Mexican Society of Authors and Music Composers.