On June 27th, 1966, a tireless singer-songwriter was born in Bayam: Raúl Torres Rondón.

He was just studying primary school in Matanzas when he was attracted to music. His family had a great deal on that, since they provide an environment that promotes the love for music, composition, art and culture in general. However, his sister Elba (writer, actress and director), was one of the mainstays during his creative process.

To achieve his purpose, Raúl studied guitar, sang in a duo in high school, performed in amateur group, and serves as lighting technician. But above all, he observes and learns incessantly until he becomes the extraordinary composer and interpreter he is today.

An artist comes to light

At 21 years old (1987), after an intense journey creating and promoting his music, Raúl Torres performs his first concert in Matanzas. And coincidentally, a year later, through Lynn Milanés, he managed to send Pablo Milanes a recording of his music.

This is how an artist comes to light when, in 1989, Pablo invites him to participate in a concert. This is when this young man, almost unknown, breaks into the scene of the National Theater, in front of an audience that fills the room. From that moment to the present, there have been many successes and presentations inside and outside the country.

Raúl is, if you doubt, a tireless singer-songwriter, who has had the opportunity to share the scene with prestigious singers such as Pablo Milanes, Simone, Fito Páez, Ana Belén, Joaquín Sabina and Los Van Van. But, in addition, he has written songs that have been immortalised in their voices. Can there be greater satisfaction for an artist?

Lyrics of people and convictions

The lyrics of Raúl Torres are contagious, deep and exciting. He can be seen in a concert for the victims of Hurricane Matthew, singing songs like Hotel Tulipán, dedicated to the victims of the plane crash in Havana. Songs written for Celia Sánchez, Hugo Chávez (El regreso del amigo), Fidel Castro (Riding with Fidel) and Raúl Castro (El último mambí) have also become hymns.

Raúl Torres has been cataloged by the critics as one of the newest of the New Cuban Trova and the public acclaims wherever he appears. For example, during the “Concert among friends” that he offered with Pablo Milanes at the Municipal Auditorium of Cangas, in Pontevedra, he reviewed with great success and prolonged applause, those themes that have immortalized him in the music scene: Candil de nieve, Novilunio de luz, Distancia amarga, Giselle, Hojarasca, La terraza, Nevasca, Río San Juan, Por la calle Gelabert and Liviana.

Awards and honours

• Best Pop Rock Music Video at the Lucas Awards 2011 for Frío, directed by Joseph Ross.

• 2017. Distinction for the National Culture.

Raúl Torres nowadays

With 12 albums recorded, Raúl Torres has made his mark in the field of national and international culture. He has just finished his Maqueta de Platino album, which includes songs of social nature and his usual rock-romantic ballads.

According to the Cuban singer-songwriter, he does not only make the song considered typical of the trova, but covers more styles. And although his concerns are different from those of past generations, he still feels strongly influenced by teachers like Pablo Milanes.

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