Person Biography:
Compay Segundo, a renowned Cuban musician, felt an early affinity for music. At the age of 14, he learned to play the tres, a traditional Cuban string instrument, and later added the guitar to his repertoire. As a teenager, he was drawn to the vibrant cultural scene in Santiago de Cuba, where he met the influential musician Miguel Matamoros. This encounter had a profound impact on his future career.
Segundo's music career began in Havana in 1929, where he gradually gained recognition as a musician in bars and public places. Due to financial constraints, he also worked as a hairdresser and cigar roller. He collaborated with notable musicians such as Sindo Garay, Nico Saquito, Miguel Matamaros, and Benny Moré, helping to revive the traditional Cuban "Son" style.
In the mid-1930s, Segundo developed his unique style of "Son" music, using a self-made seven-string guitar called the "Harmonico". He composed hundreds of songs that are now part of the "Son" standard repertoire. In 1939, he joined the group "El Conjunto Matamaros", and later founded the duo "Los Compadres" with Lorenzo Hierrezuelo, under which he performed as Compay Segundo.
Throughout his career, Segundo appeared as an ambassador for Cuban music worldwide. In 1956, he founded his own group, "Compay Segundo y sus Muchachos", which expanded to a quartet and became one of the largest Cuban groups in the classic "Son" tradition. His son, Salvador Repilado, was also a member of the band.
Compay Segundo's breakthrough came in 1997, at the age of 90, with his participation in the "Buena Vista Social Club" project. This led to a worldwide audience and the popularization of his music. He received a record award in 2000, and his records sold over a million copies. He also met Cuban leader Fidel Castro and Pope John Paul II during his tours.
Compay Segundo passed away on July 14, 2003, at the age of 95, leaving behind his life partner, Aidita, and a global audience of millions of fans who mourned his loss.
