Desi Arnaz

The Man Who Invented Television

By: Todd S Purdum

Narrated by: Todd S Purdum

An illuminating biography of Desi Arnaz, the visionary, trailblazing Cuban American who revolutionized television and brought laughter to millions as Lucille Ball’s beloved husband on I Love Lucy, leaving a remarkable legacy that continues to influence American culture today.

Desi Arnaz is a name that resonates with fans of classic television, but few understand the depth of his contributions to the entertainment industry. In Desi Arnaz, Todd S. Purdum offers a captivating biography that dives into the groundbreaking Latino artist and businessman known to millions as Ricky Ricardo from I Love Lucy. Beyond his iconic role, Arnaz was a pioneering entrepreneur who fundamentally transformed the television landscape.

His journey from Cuban aristocracy to world-class entertainer is remarkable. After losing everything during the 1933 Cuban revolution, Arnaz reinvented himself in pre-World War II Miami, tapping into the rising demand for Latin music. By twenty, he had formed his own band and sparked the conga dance craze in America. Behind the scenes, he revolutionized television production by filming I Love Lucy before a live studio audience with synchronized cameras, a model that remains a sitcom gold standard today.

Despite being underestimated due to his accent and origins, Arnaz’s legacy is monumental. Purdum’s biography, enriched with unpublished materials and interviews, reveals the man behind the legend and highlights his enduring contributions to pop culture and television. This book is a must-read biography about innovation, resilience and the relentless drive of a man who changed TV forever.

Critic reviews

"Journalist Todd S. Purdum narrates his absorbing, well-researched, and beautifully delivered examination of actor, producer, and musician Desi Arnaz—also known as comedienne Lucille Ball’s husband in the sitcom “I Love Lucy” (1951–1957) and in real life. This enjoyable performance is pure perfection—well enunciated, paced for understanding, and delivered in an entertainingly serious style. Purdum had the cooperation of Lucy and Desi’s children, including access to their father’s archives...Purdum asks us to appreciate how much impact the legendary pioneer Arnaz had on early television."

I Still Love Them

Ive loved Lucy and Desi since I was a kid. I Love Lucy ended the year I was born but I started watching reruns when I was probably 5 yrs old and have never stopped 60 years later. This book is full of information about Desi that a lot of people don't know.

The Writer and Reader as One

Loved everything about this. Meticulously researched. Enjoy it and begin watching the entire series again…♥️

I love Desi

Can’t believe he wasn’t honored at the Kennedy Honors! Without Desi we couldn’t have loved Lucy

Thorough, interesting and a good listen.

I enjoyed this book because it contained a lot of information that I didn’t know about Desi Arnaz. He was so smart considering he came to the US with basically nothing.

Excellent capture of Desi’s spirit & courage

This book was excellent in capturing Desi’s spirit and his courage and tenacity to succeed against all odds. A true inspiration for all Hispanic individuals. Loved the book and the narration was also excellent!!!!