Wilfredo Pascual Leyva, better known as Pío Leyva, was a luminary in the world of Cuban music, famed for his mastery as a sonero - a singer of Son Cubano, a genre that would later give birth to salsa music. Pío Leyva was born on May 5, 1917, in Morón, Cuba, and his career spanned over seven decades, during which he became known as "El Montunero de Cuba" for his infectious energy and the swinging rhythm he brought to the montuno, a vital component of Son music. His powerful voice and charismatic performances made him a beloved figure in his homeland and among aficionados of Cuban music worldwide.
Leyva’s discography showcases his profound contribution to the Cuban music scene, with albums such as "El Montunero de Cuba" and "Sabor y Ritmo Tropical" reflecting both his deep-rooted traditionalism and his ceaseless innovation within the genre. The evocative "Anabacoa (Remastered)" and "El Son Montuno (Remastered)" capture the timeless appeal of Cuba's rich musical heritage, each remastered track serving as a testament to Leyva's enduring legacy. Throughout his storied career, Pío Leyva collaborated with a multitude of legendary Cuban musicians and was one of the celebrated stars featured in the acclaimed documentary "Buena Vista Social Club" in 1999. His death on March 22, 2006, marked the end of an era, but through albums like "Sonero Master" and the collection "Soñero: Cuban Classics, Volume 3", his spirit and the sound he championed continue to resonate through the heartbeats of Son rhythm aficionados around the globe.
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