Infurna, Alfonso (Alphonse) (pseud: Don Alfonso) 13.may.1888-23.jul.1982 Italy Sicily, Siculiana - USA New Jersey, Ocean, Lakewood
rhumba bandleader 'king of samba', his parents emigrated to Brazil when he was still a young child which explains why he spoke portuguese fluently, studied music privately in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, 19.apr.1910 emigrated with his parents from Rio de Janeiro to the USA, settling in New York City, 1917-1924 as tailor employed by Bernstein in Brooklyn residing at 55 Oak Street in Brooklyn, 9.apr.1924 became naturalized American, 1930 as dance hall musician residing at 2322 86th Street in Brooklyn, leader of the rhumba band Bossanova Rhythm Boys playing in the Rainbow Room, Savoy Plaza and the Waldorf Hotel, musical director of the Latin-American program on Columbia Broadcasting Station New York, credited with introducing the brazilian samba in the United States in 1939, 1940-1947 as musician residing in Brooklyn, 1940-1942 at 1802 Stillwell Avenue, shortly after he moved to Miami Florida where he found employment at a hotel, 1978 moved to Ocean County New Jersey, at time of death residing in Crestwood Village, he died at Kimball Hospital in Lakewood New Jersey ; son of fruit dealer Natale Infurna (Siculiana 4.sep.1861-30.jun.1931 Manhattan) and Melchiora (Mary) (Italy 1869-17.feb.1947 New York) ; 28.dec.1916 in Manhattan he married Guiseppina (Josephine) Taormina (Italy 16.nov.1895-27.mar.1974 New Jersey Ocean, Jackson)