Carlos Puebla
Carlos Manuel Puebla, born on September 11, 1917, in Manzanillo, Cuba, was a renowned Cuban singer, guitarist, and composer, celebrated for his contributions to the Trova movement and his specialization in boleros and patriotic songs. Raised in a modest family, Puebla worked various manual jobs, including as a carpenter and shoemaker, before pursuing his passion for music. Self-taught on the guitar, he also studied music theory and harmony.
Puebla began composing in the 1930s, gaining popularity in his hometown. In 1953, he formed the group Los Tradicionales and recorded his first songs. Politically aligned with Fidel Castro, he supported the Cuban Revolution and became known as "El Cantor de la Revolución" (the singer of the revolution). His music and political activism led to successful international tours starting in 1961.
One of his most famous works, "Hasta Siempre, Comandante," was composed in 1965, inspired by Che Guevara's departure from the Cuban government. This song, a tribute to Guevara, became his most celebrated piece, covered by numerous artists worldwide.
Throughout his career, Puebla wrote over a thousand compositions, including love songs and politically charged pieces that addressed the struggles of the Cuban people and criticized the Batista dictatorship. His works like "Para nosotros siempre es 26" and "Y en eso llegó Fidel" reflect his revolutionary spirit.
Carlos Puebla passed away on July 12, 1989, in Havana, Cuba. His ashes were later transferred to his hometown, where a plaque honors him as "a simple troubadour who sings." His legacy as an ambassador for Cuban music and culture endures through his enduring compositions.
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