MIAMI, United States. — May 4, 2013 died in Havana at the age of 90 who is considered one of the most influential Cuban singer-songwriters and guitarists of all time: César Portillo de la Luz.
Born October 31, 1922, Portillo de la Luz best known for his contributions to the development of the Cuban bolero, a genre of romantic music that originated in Cuba in the late 19th century, and the feelinga movement that gained strength in the mid-20th century.
He began his musical career as a guitarist and singer in the 1940s. He quickly gained recognition for his talent and was invited to play with many of the best Cuban musicians of the time.
In the early 1950s, César Portillo de la Luz began composing his own music and soon became known for his unique style and poetic lyrics. His most famous composition, with you in the distancebecame a classic in the Cuban and universal bolero repertoire.
His best-known songs also include you my delirium, tasty, Cuban night, reality and fantasy and song of a festival.
Several of his songs have been performed by Nat King Cole, Tito Rodríguez, Olga GuillotPedro Infante, Litto Nebbia, Tin Tan, José José, Pedro Vargas, Lucho Gatica, Sonia and Myriam, Fernando Fernández, Luis Miguel, Luis Mariano, Plácido Domingo, Christina Aguilera, Caetano Veloso, María Bethania, Astrud Gilberto, Soledad Bravo and the London Symphony Orchestra among many others.
In addition to his work as a composer, Portillo de la Luz was also a respected music educator, teaching at the National School of Arts in Havana.
On April 15, 2004, the Academy of Music Arts and Sciences awarded César Portillo de la Luz the Latino Award for A Lifetime in a ceremony held at the Municipal Palace of Congresses in Madrid, Spain.
