César Portillo de la Luz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
César Portillo
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|---|---|
| Native name |
César Portillo de la Luz
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| Born | October 31, 1922 Havana, Cuba |
| Origin | Havana |
| Died | May 4, 2013 (aged 90) Havana |
| Genres | Bolero, filin |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, lyricist, composer, housepainter |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1940s–2013 (till death) |
César Portillo de la Luz (born October 31, 1922 – died May 4, 2013) was a famous Cuban musician. He was also a talented lyricist and composer. Born in Havana, Cuba, Portillo is known for starting the filin music style.
Many people called him a very important writer of Latin American music. He was also one of Cuba's most celebrated composers. People also said he was the best lyricist of his time. He wrote many songs in the 1900s.
Early Life of César Portillo
César Portillo de la Luz was born on October 31, 1922. His father worked rolling cigars in Havana, Cuba. César taught himself how to play the guitar.
At first, he painted houses to earn money. He also gave guitar lessons to make extra income. In 1946, he started playing guitar professionally on the radio. He soon got a weekly show on Radio Mil Diez. This helped him become very popular.
César Portillo's Music Career
Portillo had his own radio show called Feeling Season. He became famous around the world after 1946. This happened when his love song "Contigo en la Distancia" was sung by Andy Russell. The song means "With You in the Distance." César never told anyone who inspired him to write this song.
He is known for creating the filin music style. This type of music was very popular in the 1950s. From the 1940s to the 1950s, Portillo often performed in bars and clubs. More than 100 different versions of his songs have been recorded by artists worldwide.
In 2004, Portillo received a special award in Spain. It was called the Premio Latino a Toda Una Vida. Many famous artists have performed his songs. These include "Contigo en la distancia" and "Tú mi delirio." Other popular songs are "Sabrosón," "Noche cubana," and "Realidad y Fantasía." Artists like Nat King Cole, Christina Aguilera, José José, Luis Miguel, and Lucho Gatica have sung his music.
César Portillo de la Luz passed away on May 4, 2013. He died in Havana, Cuba, when he was 90 years old. His body was cremated, as he had wished.
See also
- Music of Cuba
- Deaths in 2013
