Vicente Gómez (composer)


Vicente Gómez was a Spanish guitarist and composer.

Biography

Gómez was born in Madrid where he learned his trade in a tavern owned by his father, located in the red light district of Madrid. He worked there until he was 25, when he visited Russia. He was involved in politics and opposed to General Franco. He visited Cuba and Mexico and he was discovered whilst making a radio show in Mexico.
He worked in New York and toured South America. In 1943 he became a U.S. citizen and served in the American army. In the 1950s he composed for Hollywood films before he retired to compose and teach. One of Gómez' students was Ricky Nelson. Another was the wife of Omar Bradley.

Musical compositions

Original theme for guitar and orchestra, soundtrack for the film Blood and Sand, played by the composer himself.
"Verde Luna", rumba Bolero, also featured in Blood and Sand. It was recorded by Alfredo Antonini and his orchestra featuring Victoria Cordova and John Serry Sr. for Muzak in 1949.

Legacy

The archives of Vicente Gomez, which document his music library collection, his original compositions, teaching career, and his days in the U.S. Army, and which include scores, photographs, sound recordings, are held at the Oviatt Library at California State University, Northridge.