Charanga Rubalcaba, led by the esteemed Cuban musician Guillermo Rubalcaba, was a prominent Cuban orchestra known for preserving the traditional charanga style. Guillermo Rubalcaba, born Guillermo González Camejo on January 10, 1927, in Pinar del Río, Cuba, was a celebrated pianist, bandleader, and composer who specialized in the danzón and cha-cha-cha genres. He came from a distinguished musical family; his father, Jacobo González Rubalcaba, was a pioneering charanga bandleader.

Guillermo Rubalcaba's musical journey began with formal training at the Orbón Conservatory, where he mastered multiple instruments, including the piano, violin, clarinet, and saxophone. His early career saw him performing with various orchestras, and he gained prominence as a pianist accompanying renowned Cuban singers and musicians.

In 1962, Rubalcaba founded La Charanga Rubalcaba, which maintained the traditional charanga format and sound reminiscent of the 1930s. The ensemble became a significant force in Cuban music, and in 1973, it was officially named Charanga Rubalcaba. The orchestra's most successful album, "Vivencias," was released in 1987 and featured iconic voices like Barbarito Díez and Tito Gómez.

Throughout his career, Guillermo Rubalcaba was associated with prestigious groups such as the Buena Vista Social Club and Afro-Cuban All Stars, contributing to the global appreciation of Cuban music. He was recognized for his melodic expression and rhythmic prowess, influencing many contemporary pianists in dance music.

Rubalcaba's contributions to Cuban music were acknowledged with awards like the Alejo Carpentier Medal. He passed away on September 7, 2015, in Havana, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of Cuban music.