Raúl Planas, born Enrique Raúl Planas Fernández on September 18, 1920, in Camajuaní, Villa Clara, Cuba, was a celebrated Cuban singer and songwriter renowned for his contributions to the genres of son and bolero. He began his musical journey at the age of thirteen, performing with various son groups in his hometown. By the 1940s, Planas had relocated to Havana, where he joined several prominent ensembles, including the Juanito Roger ensemble, Ernesto Duarte's orchestra, and Carlos Barbería's Kubavana jazz-band.

Planas gained international recognition touring with Sonora Matancera and Celia Cruz across the Americas and Europe, recording for labels such as Puchito, Panart, and RCA Victor. In 1966, he became a pivotal member of Conjunto Rumbavana, contributing to numerous successful recordings under the EGREM label. His tenure with Rumbavana produced hits like "Te invito un momento" and "Te traigo mi son cubano."

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Planas continued to evolve musically, joining groups such as Conjunto Tropicuba and Conjunto Chappottín, and later collaborating with the Rubalcaba Orchestra. His solo career was marked by the release of "Señor del son" in the 1980s. He also participated in notable projects, including the Afro-Cuban All Stars, contributing to the Grammy-nominated album "A Toda Cuba le Gusta."

Raúl Planas passed away on February 28, 2001, in Havana, Cuba, leaving behind a legacy as one of the finest Cuban son musicians. His collaborations with iconic figures like Rubén González and his involvement in projects like the Afro-Cuban All Stars cemented his status as a legend in Cuban music.