There are certain songs that are so familiar they seem to have always been around. A good example is a little something called "Maria Elena" — especially the version performed by Los Índios Tabajaras. I can't remember a time that it didn't sound like an old standard to me. Of course, it goes without saying — although I am saying it — that what's familiar to me might not be quite so familiar to you. But even if you don't recognize the name, I bet you've heard the song - listen to this short clip.
According to allmusic, the song has been recorded in over 300 versions dating back to the early days of the big bands, and was probably first popularized by Jimmy Dorsey's band, although others performed the song too. It's origin was thought to be a Mexican folk song, written about a mayor's wife, but that could be a myth. In any case, it became popular in an era when the US was becoming more and more fascinated with all aspects of Latin America, especially the music.
Part of this interest could be attributed to the US government's policies, both before and during World War II, when the difficulties of reaching European and Asian markets meant that it was just good business to encourage closer ties with our friends to the South.
Eventually the influences showed up in a number of ways, including colorful movie musicals such as Down Argentine Way and Week-End In Havana, with stars such as Betty Grable, Alice Faye, and the every-present Cesar Romero playfully lifting the spirits of the war-weary public. Disney even got in on the action, with a number of animated musical shorts that featured Latin characters and music.
There was also a decided rise in popularity of Latin music in other venues, including successful bands such as those of Xavier Cugat and Perez Prado. Who knows, my own personal affinity for music with a Latin beat might even be at least in part attributable to my early exposure to this era when the US was awakening to new sounds.
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