Adalberto Álvarez, Immortal in Music and in the Cuban People

Cuba today remembers the artist who earned the title of El Caballero del Son through the elegance of his music and the consistency of his life: Adalberto Álvarez (1948–2021), as the fifth anniversary of his physical passing is commemorated.

His absence, caused by complications associated with COVID-19 at the age of 72, left a void in Cuban music; however, the legacy he forged over more than four decades of his career endures as one of the backbones of his homeland's popular culture.

Without renouncing traditional roots, the National Music Award winner incorporated contemporary harmonies and arrangements that revitalized the genre for new generations.

This ability to be modern without losing his essence made him the most covered Cuban sonero in the Latin music scene over the last three decades.

His trajectory as an orchestra director is an essential chapter in the history of son, alongside his exceptional talents as a pianist and composer.

He founded two ensembles that became giants of Cuban dance music: the group Son 14, in 1978, which revolutionized the landscape with a fresh sound; and Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, created in 1984, with which he deepened his style and maintained an unbreakable connection with the public for nearly 40 years.

From this prestigious format came albums holding hits such as "Canción para mamá Rosa," "El mal de la hipocresía," "El son de la madrugada," "En casa de Rosa Zayas," "Gozando en La Habana," "Mamaíta no quiere," "Mi linda habanera," "Para bailar casino," and "Y qué tú quieres que te den," among others.

Thanks to his virtuosity, he earned numerous recognitions, and other legendary artists immortalized his compositions, with Oscar D’León, Roberto Roena, Andy Montañez, Juan Luis Guerra, Justo Betancourt, and Gilberto Santa Rosa appearing in that catalog.

Perhaps the greatest of his awards remains the affection and admiration born from his creative vocation. Adalberto Álvarez returns to the stage today, because there are stars who do not die; they are born to be immortal in music and in the Cuban people.