Marco Rizo

about

Marco Rizo (1920 – September 8, 1998) was a Cuban-born pianist, composer, and arranger. He is best known for his role as pianist and orchestrator for the American TV series I Love Lucy show. He recorded nearly 30 albums throughout his career which combined the techniques of his classical training with Afro-Cuban and jazz rhythms. Rizo’s father, Sebastian, a flutist with the Santiago Symphony Orchestra, served as his son’s first musical instructor. In 1932, Marco moved to Havana to attend the National Conservatory of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of Spanish composer Pedro San Juan. He remained there for six years, and in 1938 was named the official pianist of the Havana Philharmonic. In 1939, he performed duo piano recitals with Ernesto Lecuona. In 1940, he migrated to the United States, having received a scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. There, he studied under Rosina Lhevinne. He also performed and orchestrated with the 2nd Army Military Band during World War II. After the war, his childhood friend Desi Arnaz asked Rizo to join him as the pianist and orchestrator for his band, the Desi Arnaz Orchestra. He toured the U.S. with the band until 1950. When Arnaz started production of I Love Lucy, he once again turned to Rizo, hiring him to be the pianist and orchestrator for the show between 1951 and 1957. Rizo also made several on-camera appearances on the show throughout its run on television. After the I Love Lucy show ended, he rem

top songs

albums

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Bossa Nova - Brazilian Jazz (Remastered from the Original Somerset Tapes)

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Bossa Nova: Brazilian Jazz (Remastered from the Original Somerset Tapes)

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Havana Chill Out [Album]

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The Lost City

Romantic Bossa Nova & Flamenco Favorites

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Brazilian Lounge Project, Vol. 2

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Havana Chill Out

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Latin Lounge, Vol. 1

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Coffeehouse Piano Jazz

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Brazil Lounge Deluxe 2014

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Dexter Soundtrack (Music Inspired from the TV Show)

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The Lost City-OST

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