He was born in Camagüey, on February 10th, 1910 and died on November 3rd, 2001. Pianist, composer and orchestra conductor. At the age of 15 he graduated on piano, solpheggio and theory in the National Conservatory. He practised musical professorship. In 1935 his jazz band appeared. He was interested on the musical folklore of Cuba and America, having produced some programs of this kind.
He wrote 387 songs, many of them played in night clubs, Houses of Trova, Houses of Culture and all sort of stages at present. His first song, "Corazón mudo", was composed in 1927, and in 1931 he staged a version of "Motivos de Son" (from Nicolás Guillen book), as well as songs and instrumental arrangements for orchestra, on his first public concert. His "Amorosa guajira", has been quite played. He wrote numerous stories and poems he used to recite to his friends. He created music for Federico García Lorca works and conceived boleros, songs, guarachas, lyric comedies, waltzes and other musical genres.
He was also a reknown pianist and shared stages with famous artists in Cuba and other countries, being among them: Bola de Nieve, Ester Borja, Ernesto Lecuona and Rita Montaner. He toured different countries, he settled and conducted the González Allué Orchestra and the Yemayá.
Besides, he was professor of piano and along his life he felt grateful to those honoured him in stage and truly enjoyed his compositions.
Illustrious Son of Camagüey.
Alejo Carpentier Medal.
National Culture Award.
First Degree Félix Varela Order