Martin Denny was an American pianist and composer known as the "father of exotica" music, a genre that combines Asian and South Pacific melodies with Latin rhythms and jazz elements. His instrumental arrangements often incorporated natural sounds such as bird calls and frog croaks, making his music distinctive and atmospheric. Denny had a significant influence on the mid-20th century lounge music scene, with his 1959 album "Exotica" reaching number one on the Billboard charts. His style has left a lasting impact on world music, continuing to inspire artists in various genres.