George Gershwin arrived in Havana on February 16th, 1932 and stayed for 2 weeks .His visit inspired him a few months later to compose THE CUBAN OVERTURE , incorporating Cuban rhythms. He was familiar with cuban composers Ernesto Lecuona, Amadeo Roldan, and Alejandro Garcia Caturla.
IN 1937, Gershwin composed a popular tune JUST ANOTHER RHUMBA, about a visit to Havana. Brother Ira GERSHWIN provided lyrics. Ella Fitzgerald recorded the song in the 1950s. In the 1930's people who travelled to CUBA would say they were going to the WEST INDIES. It was fashionable to say it in those terms. It sort-of like-sounded more exotic.

GEORGE GERSHWIN : UN AMERICANO EN LA HABANA.
GERSHWIN Kubanische Ouvertüre

GEORGE GERSHWIN : CUBAN OVERTURE ( 1932)

a) Joshua Dos Santos conducting the Orquesta Sinfonica Juvenil
Teresa Carreno de Venezuela, January 14, 2012

b) Zubin Mehta conducting The New York Philharmonic,

BRANSON DECOU PHOTOS HAVANA 1932 descriptions.
1) Havana street scene with a coal wagon.
2) Havana street scene with a fruit and wine vendor.
3) Havana street scene with steeple of Iglesia del Santo Angel Custodio ( Church of St. Guardian Angel) in the distance.
4) Havana Catedral de San Cristobal de La Habana ( Havana Cathedral ), consecrated in 1789, partial view of front facade.
5) Havana Catedral de San Cristobal de La Habana ( Havana Cathedral, consecrated in 1789, front facade ).
6) Havana street scene, near Catedral de San Cristobal de La Habana ( Havana Cathedral )