Otilio Portal Monterrey was a renowned Cuban guitarist and composer, born on July 28, 1914, in Camajuani, Cuba, and passed away on June 27, 2009, in Miami, Florida. He began his musical journey in the 1920s, playing the clarinet in the Banda Municipal of Camajuani. As a troubadour, he performed at local festivities and rural gatherings, earning the nickname "Otilito." He collaborated with fellow musicians such as José Gómez, Santiago Falcón, Oreste Díaz, Fabio Pérez, and his brother Herminio Concepción.

Otilio formed the Trío Monterrey with his cousins Manolo and Urbano Monterrey. In 1936, he moved to Havana and joined the Trío Antillano, later becoming the first guitarist and third voice for the Trío Servando Díaz in 1937. His work with various trios, including the Nacional and La Rosa, and his own trios and quartets in the 1950s, helped him gain recognition across Cuba and Latin America.

As a composer, Otilio Portal is best known for the cha-cha-chá "Me lo dijo Adela," which was recorded in multiple languages and became a significant hit. He also composed boleros like "Licor bendito" and "Enferma del alma," as well as guarachas such as "Me serenaste" and "Tumbale el rabo a Perico." His contributions to music have left a lasting legacy in the Cuban and Latin American music scenes.