Orquesta Aragón was formed on 30 September 1939, by Orestes Aragón Cantero in Cienfuegos, Cuba.
The band originally had the name Ritmica 39, then Ritmica Aragón before settling on its final form.
Though they did not create the Cha-cha-cha, they were arguably the best charanga in Cuba during 1950s and 60s. Their trade-marks included high-class instrumentalists playing in tight ensemble style, and rhythmical innovations which kept their sound up-to-date.
Over the years they progressed from their start as a danzoneria to play a wider variety of styles, danzón, then cha-cha-cha, then onda-cha, pachanga and son fusions. They still perform today, based in Havana.