He was born in Güines, Havana province, in June 30th, 1930 and died in February 3rd,. Self taught musician. Tumbador (Conga drum player) and popular percussionist in general. Great admirer of Luciano “Chano” Pozo, who became his model to be followed.
Before plaing the tumbadoras (conga drums), he played claves, kettle drums, güiro, tin drums, counterbass (or doublebass), and in different times he sang as soloist different Cuban genres. His working life began in Güines, his hometown, from which he was named after, and later in Havana City, where he joined numerous musical groups in Cabaret, radio, TV and carnivals.
Amomng the groupings where he played are: Ases del Ritmo, Orquesta Estrellas Nacientes, Jazz-band Swing and Los Amigos, conducted by the late pianist Frank Emilio Flynn
He also played with international music personalities such as: Josephine Baker, Maynard Ferguson, Frank Sinatra and the group Los Chavales de España. He performed in Chicago, Texas, Miami, California. North American specialized critics named him “Golden Hands”. Among his most famous compositions are: “Mami dame mantecado” and “No metas la mano en la candela”.
Supported by other percussionists he paved the way for founding the Sociedad de percusionistas de Cuba –PERCUBA- (Socety of Percussionists of Cuba) which elected him member of the Hall of Fame of Percussion, in 1993, when the National Festival of such association was dedicated to him.
Cultural distinctions like the “Honor Member of the UNEAC”, “La Giraldilla”, “Por la Cultura Cubana”, “Alejo Carpentier”, and 2001 “Grammy” Award and 2002 CUBADISCO Great Award were conferred to him.”