Birth

:

May 4, 1939 in Viale, Argentina

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

Ruben Gonzalez was a Cuban pianist and composer who was born on May 26, 1919, in Santa Clara, Cuba. He was one of the most influential musicians of his time and was known for his unique style of playing the piano. Gonzalez was born into a family of musicians, and his father was a well-known pianist in Cuba. He began playing the piano at a young age and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Gonzalez's musical career began in the 1940s when he joined the band of Arsenio Rodriguez, a famous Cuban musician. He played with Rodriguez for several years before joining the band of Enrique Jorrin, another well-known Cuban musician. Gonzalez's talent as a pianist quickly became apparent, and he soon became one of the most sought-after musicians in Cuba. In the 1950s, Gonzalez joined the band of Israel "Cachao" Lopez, a famous Cuban bassist. It was during this time that Gonzalez began to develop his unique style of playing the piano. He combined elements of traditional Cuban music with jazz and classical music, creating a sound that was both innovative and timeless. Gonzalez's career took off in the 1960s when he joined the Buena Vista Social Club, a group of Cuban musicians who were brought together by American guitarist Ry Cooder. The group recorded an album in 1997, which became a worldwide sensation. The album, which was titled "Buena Vista Social Club," featured Gonzalez on several tracks, including "Pueblo Nuevo" and "Mandinga." The success of the Buena Vista Social Club album led to a resurgence of interest in traditional Cuban music, and Gonzalez became a household name. He went on to record several solo albums, including "Introducing...Ruben Gonzalez" and "Chanchullo," both of which were critically acclaimed. Gonzalez's music was characterized by his virtuosic piano playing, which was both technically impressive and emotionally powerful. He was known for his ability to improvise and his use of complex rhythms and harmonies. His music was a reflection of his Cuban heritage, and he was proud to represent his country and its musical traditions. Throughout his career, Gonzalez received numerous awards and accolades. In 2000, he was awarded the National Prize for Music in Cuba, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a musician in the country. He was also awarded the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, in recognition of his contributions to Latin music. Gonzalez continued to perform and record music until his death on December 8, 2003, at the age of 84. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. His unique style of playing the piano and his dedication to preserving traditional Cuban music have made him one of the most important figures in the history of Latin music.

More....