He was born in Guanabacoa in September 11th, 1911. Rita Montaner nicknamed him as "Bola de Nieve" ("Snow Ball") ironically referring to his black face and his rounded body. He started working playing the piano in a silent movie in his birthplace. In 1933 he worked in Mexico accompanying Rita Montaner to the piano. Since he was eight years old he has studied music in the Conservatorio Mateu, in Guanabacoa. Later, he was in other musical centers in Havana. In the 1930´s he studied magistery in the Escuela Normal de La Habana. Remarkable pianist. As a singher he displayed an original style, a very personal way to perform songs, quite close to French chansoners. The great «Bola» joined to his pianist and singer abilities, the one of composer of memorable compositios, like «Si me pudieras querer»;, «Ay amor» y «Tú me has de querer»; He continually travelled, almost, all over the world. He was able to perform in different languages : Spanish, Catalonian, English, French, Italian and Potuguese. He died in Mexico City when travelling to South America, where he woukl develop several performings. His body was sent to Cuba and buried in his hometown.