Raúl Gutiérrez Villanueva, born on April 23, 1955, in Santiago, Chile, is a distinguished musician and bandleader known for his contributions to Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban music. He discovered Cuban music in his youth while attending school in La Serena, Chile, and pursued musical studies at the University of Chile in Santiago. In 1973, Gutiérrez left Chile for Europe, settling first in Barcelona and later in Lyon, France, where he collaborated with local groups such as "La Marmite Infernale" and became a member of the "Association a la Recherche d’un Folklore Imaginaire" (ARFI).

In 1978, Gutiérrez moved to Paris, engaging in projects with musicians like Francois Tusque, Alain Silva, and Jo Maka. His career took a significant turn in 1980 when he joined Tito Puente’s Big Band for a Scandinavian tour. He furthered his education at the University of Rhode Island under the tutelage of Jamey Aebersold.

Gutiérrez is the leader of the Latin jazz band Raúl Gutiérrez y Sus Estrellas Cubanas, also known as Raúl Gutiérrez and His Cuban Big Band. His work is characterized by a deep respect for Afro-Cuban musical traditions, including son, danzón, and mambo, while also incorporating modern elements. His discography includes the albums "Son Elegante" (2010) and "Prado... Vive!" (2021), both of which celebrate the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Cuban music. Through these recordings, Gutiérrez pays homage to legendary figures such as Dámaso Pérez Prado and integrates influences from the golden era of swing and Afro-Cuban jazz.