Carlos Alfonso Zelaya, a distinguished pianist, bore the illustrious name of the King of Spain, a moniker that reflects his noble heritage. He was the son of José Santos Zelaya, a prominent figure in Nicaraguan politics, who served as the country's President from 1893 to 1909.
Zelaya's father, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded education, dispatched his son to Europe to pursue his academic endeavors. Following his European sojourn, Zelaya's father envisioned a career in the military for his son, and accordingly, sent him to America to embark on a path that would lead him to become a general.
This trajectory ultimately resulted in Zelaya's graduation from the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point in 1910. Subsequently, he served four years in the U.S. Army during World War I, his military service a testament to his sense of duty and patriotism.
It is worth noting that Zelaya's diverse background, which combines his passion for music with his experience in the military, sets him apart as a unique individual with a rich and varied life story.
In the year nineteen hundred and eleven, José Santos Zelaya embarked on a significant personal milestone, tying the knot with his first wife, Marguerite Lee, a remarkable individual who bore a familial connection to the illustrious General Robert E. Lee, a prominent figure in American history. This union would go on to produce a child, a son named José Santos, who would undoubtedly carry on his father's legacy.
As a talented pianist, Zelaya was affiliated with two esteemed orchestras, the San Francisco Symphony and the Minneapolis Symphony, boasting a comprehensive repertoire of three hundred classical pieces. His exceptional skill and dedication to his craft enabled him to perform on the concert stage, where he would delight audiences with his mastery of the piano. However, his passion for classical music extended beyond the confines of the traditional concert setting, as he also had a knack for bringing this genre to the vaudeville stage, showcasing his remarkable ability to captivate a wide range of audiences and inspire a newfound appreciation for classical music among the masses.
The captivating stage presence of Zelaya, coupled with his profound philosophical approach to music, garnered widespread acclaim from critics, who marveled at his remarkable ability to incite fervent demand from his audience, leaving them eagerly clamoring for more.
Beyond his illustrious concert career, Zelaya also made sporadic appearances in film, initially taking on small, supporting roles beginning in 1933. His final cinematic endeavor was a notable one, as he portrayed "Gimpy," the talented piano player, in the 1952 film production of Macao.
On December 14, 1951, the life of the renowned individual, Zelaya, came to a close in North Hollywood, just a day prior to the passing of the highly acclaimed Mexican composer, María Grever.
Zelaya's demise left behind his second wife, Olga Desmondae ("Des") Rieman, a talented singer who had also graced the vaudeville stage. This remarkable woman would later go on to marry none other than the famous comedian, Bert Wheeler.
Following Zelaya's passing, he was laid to eternal rest at the esteemed Forest Lawn Cemetery, located in the city of Glendale.
