Miguel Matamoros (1894-1971)

Born in Santiago de Cuba on May 8, 1894 and died on April 15, 1971. He realized different jobs as driver, carpenter, house painter, among others in his hometown, while he was learning how to play the guitar and training his voice.

He sang and played his instrument in Santiago’s serenades, entering to the trova world. Natural musician, spontaneous, intuitive, in 1912 performed his public presentation at Heredia theatre, in Santiago de Cuba. Notorious composer and guitarist, from childhood he played the harmonica and guitar. He formed a duet with Trino Martinelli, his first artistic experience. In 1924 traveled to Havana with Trío Oriental, integrated also by Rafael Cueto (1900) and Miguel Bisbé, working in Campoamor and Actualidades theatres.

Back to Santiago de Cuba, Miguel incorporated Siro Rodríguez (1899) to Trío Oriental on May 8, 1925, as countermelody, genesis of Trío Matamoros, as it was known then. He went to New York with the trio two years later, where he obtained a great success and recorded discs for RCA Victor record label.

Traveled around all America and many European countries. Author of boleros and sones: Lágrimas negras, Juramento,Reclamo místico, Mariposita de primavera, Mientes, Triste muy triste, Olvido, Mamá son de la loma, El que siembra su maíz, Que te estan mirando, Alegre conga, among others. Miguel had a great confidence at plucking, good manners and a particular sense of rhythm and phrases as guitarist and high voice.

Music composer with fresh ideas, Cuban clear rhythm and good manners; he made his music to become one of the most authentically popular, showing his Cuban rooting.

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