Panchito Riset

Panchito Riset, born Francisco Hilario Riser Rincón on October 21, 1910, in Havana, Cuba, was a renowned Cuban singer celebrated for his interpretations of boleros, particularly during the pre-war period. He began his musical journey as a young boy, learning to sing and play the tres guitar. Riset's career flourished in the 1930s when he moved to New York City, where he performed and recorded with notable groups such as Cuarteto Flores, Cuarteto Caney, and the Xavier Cugat Orchestra. His time in New York established him as a leading figure in the Latin music scene, and he became known for his distinctive, classic style of bolero singing.

Riset continued to contribute to the vibrant Latin music scene throughout his life. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army, later resuming his singing career with performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Versailles cabaret. In the 1950s, he recorded with the Luis "Lija" Ortiz Conjunto for Ansonia Records, producing some of his most memorable songs. Panchito Riset passed away on August 8, 1988, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved bolero singers of his era.