Madrid Spain.- The singer, guitarist and composer of the traditional Cuban trova Lorenzo Hierrezuelo la O, known as Compay Primero, was born on September 5, 1907 in El Caney, Santiago de Cuba.
Of Indo-Cuban descent, since her grandmother was Siboney, she grew up in a family of musicians, and at the age of ten she was already singing.
At the age of 23, he moved to Havana, where he was part of the Cuban Lyric Trio and later joined the troubadour Justa García’s group.
In 1937 he met María Teresa Vera, with whom he formed a duo for years and recorded numerous albums.
The Compadres
In 1947, María Teresa Vera was ill and Hierrezuelo looked for Francisco Repilado, with whom she had already worked, to substitute her for a presentation.
So they decided to create the duo Los Compadres with Lorenzo Hierrezuelo as first voice (which is why it became known as Compay Primo or Compay Primero) and Francisco Repilado as second voice and accompanied by the guitar, which transcended in Cuban music as “Compay Segundo ”.
The duo, who played the Cuban son in the style of the peasants from the East of the country, achieved great popularity between the 40s and 50s; and was presented on stages throughout Cuba and several countries, mainly in Latin America; and recorded discs with works by both.
In 1955 Compay Segundo was replaced by Reinaldo Hierrezuelo, Lorenzo’s brother, known as King Caney.
Lorenzo Hierrezuelo died in Havana on November 16, 1993, at the age of 86, leaving behind a large number of sones, boleros and guarachas; among them “I am not guilty”, “Singing my son I die”, “El hule de Tomasita”, “Rita la caimana”, “Mi son oriental” and the popular “Sarandonga”.
Receive information from CubaNet on your cell phone through WhatsApp. Send us a message with the word “CUBA” on the phone +525545038831, You can also subscribe to our electronic newsletter by giving click here.
