Rita Montaner

Rita Montaner, affectionately dubbed *"La Única"* (The One and Only), was a trailblazing Cuban icon whose voice and charisma lit up stages from 1920s Havana to Paris and New York. Born in 1900, this multi-talented pianist, singer, and actress became synonymous with Afro-Cuban culture, fearlessly blending folk traditions with contemporary styles. She’s celebrated for fiery renditions of classics like *"Ay Mamá Inés"* and *"Siboney"* (written by her frequent collaborator Ernesto Lecuona), often infusing them with her signature theatrical flair. Montaner smashed barriers as one of the first Black Cuban women to gain international fame, starring in groundbreaking zarzuelas (Spanish operettas) and films like *Romance del Palmar*, while championing Afro-Cuban rhythms when they were marginalized.

Her legacy as a *"Leyenda Cubana"* (Cuban Legend) lives on in remastered recordings that capture her smoky contralto voice and magnetic stage presence. Whether delivering the haunting *"Lamento esclavo"* or playful guarachas, Rita embodied the soul of Cuba’s golden age of entertainment until her death in 1958. A true crossover artist, she blurred lines between high art and popular culture—proof that being *"La Única"* wasn’t just a nickname, but a fact. 🎭