Joseito Fernandez
José Fernández Díaz, widely known as Joseíto Fernández, was born on September 5, 1908, in the Los Sitios neighborhood of Central Havana, Cuba. He passed away on October 11, 1979, in Havana. Joseíto was a celebrated Cuban singer and songwriter, renowned for his expressive voice and unique style that earned him the moniker "El Rey de la Melodía" (The King of Melody).
From a young age, Joseíto worked various jobs, including as a shoe repairman and street vendor, to support his family. His musical journey began in his early teens, performing serenades with friends and later joining several son sextets in the 1920s. He sang with notable charangas and eventually founded his own orchestra.
Joseíto's most iconic contribution to Cuban music is the song "Guajira Guantanamera," which he composed in 1928. The song, initially based on a refrain or montuno, became immensely popular through its use in the radio program "El suceso del día," where Joseíto sang décimas that recounted daily events, incorporating the famous refrain. This song later gained international fame when American singer Pete Seeger adapted it using verses by Cuban poet José Martí.
Throughout his career, Joseíto Fernández wrote and performed numerous songs, including "Elige tú, que canto yo," "Amor de madre," "Demuéstrame tú," and "Así son, boncó." His music spanned various genres, such as rumbas, congas, guarachas, criollas, and boleros, reflecting his versatility as an artist.
Joseíto's legacy endures through the widespread influence of "Guajira Guantanamera," which has been covered by artists worldwide, solidifying his status as an emblematic figure in Cuban music history.
App
