The noted bandleader helped bring Cuban music to the United States, as well as becoming an influential figure in American rhythm and blues, The Miami Herald reported Sunday.

Historian Ned Sublette, who wrote a book about Cuban music, said Lopez had a vast influence on the world of music in the 20th century.

"Arguably the most important bassist in 20th-century popular music,'' Sublette said of Cachao, who died Saturday at Miami's Coral Gables Hospital.

Cachao was most notably linked to the mambo, as was his brother Orestes, but the famed musician always credited bandleader Damaso Perez Prado for the 1930s music craze.

''People think there could've been some antagonism,'' Lopez once said. "If it weren't for him, the mambo wouldn't be known around the world.''

The Herald (OTCBB:HHOLF) said Lopez is survived by a daughter, grandson and nephew.