Born in Havana, Cuba, on December 26th of 1953 to a family of triumphant artists, he placed himself from an early age appearing systematically on television commercials and now and then as part of the “kiddy” actors on Cuban television. Through the help of a classmate he learned to play the guitar at the age of 14 and a year later began writing his first songs. In 1963 he composes the hymn of his school.

In 1971 he took part in a course in animated drawing from the department of animation of Cuban television and at the same time, he was writing music to the work of Cuban contemporary poets, (Nicolás Guillén, Fayad Jamís, Otto Fernández, Luis Marré, and Pedro de Oráa) and premièring them for UNEAC (National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba). In this same year he meets Silvio Rodríguez, Pablo Milanés, Sara González, Noel Nicola, and his composition style can already be identified with that of the Nueva Trova movement’s.

In 1972 he composed his first original score for televised theater for a play by Director Eduardo Moya, composing 32 short songs for the program. In that same year he became involved with La Nueva Trova, the new song movement in Cuba.

At the beginning some of his songs had a jazz flavour and references from Emerson Lake and Palmer’s music could be felt. Other works were permeated with rock and later on his creation has been based on a more romantic style which stands out the lyricism of his melody as well and his vocal quality.

His charisma places him among the popular music Cuban artists that have reached a great popularity, increased from the moment he changes his work style, now based in using strong lyrics filled with imagery and metaphors.

His songs have been sung by famous popular singers like Ana Belén, Nacha Guevara, Mercedes Sosa, Danny Rivera, Pablo Milanés y Charles Aznavour, and have even been the reason of inspiration for ballet pieces.

In 1973 he recorded his first songs for a collective record of La Nueva Trova and wrote original themes for television. With the help of Manuel Herrera in composed that year his first motion picture sound track.

In 1974 his songs “Vuela Pena”, interpreted by Omara Portuondo and “Acuérdate de Abril” interpreted by Miriam Ramos, Danny Rivera (Puerto Rico) and Amaury, are placed at the top of Cuban music charts.

His first solo album “Amaury, Acuérdate de Abril” is recorded in1976. That same year he does his first live performances and together with Pablo Milanés and Sara González his first international tour throughout Poland, Bulgaria, and Spain. Later in Spain the record titled “La Nueva Trova Cubana en el Monumental de Madrid” is recorded live. The record “Acuérdate de Abril” is published throughout Latin America, and wins First Prize at the Dresden Pop Festival in Germany.

In 1977 he returns to Spain as part of the tour “La Gran Gira de la Nueva Trova por España” (The big tour of the New Song Movement in Spain), during this second visit to Europe he plays concerts in Austria.

In the year 1978 the project “Verses by José Martí Musicalized by Amaury Pérez” is born in Casa de las Américas (Cuba), this same album was re-mastered in 1996 and the proceeds were donated by Amaury towards the reconstruction of the Historic part of the City of Havana. 1978 takes him twice to Mexico, starting what has been, since then, a long standing musical and emotional relationship between Amaury and that great Latin American nation.

Amaury has conducted TV programs of great public acceptance, gaining in 1987 the UNEAC's Prize for his ''De Vuelta'' program. He also received on 1994, the Distinction for National Culture. On December, 2003, he received Felix Varela Order, being currently one of the most internationally famous Cuban artists.

Selection of Works
Among his compositions, we can highlight: Gabriela; No lo van a impedir; Dame; Para cuando me vaya; Abecedario; Acuérdate de Abril; Diez; Sí yo pudiera; Vuela pena; Hacerte venir, and others.


See discography in www.discuba.com