Olga Guillot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Olga Guillot
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | La Reina del Bolero |
| Born | October 9, 1923 Santiago de Cuba, Cuba |
| Died | July 12, 2010 (aged 86) Miami Beach, Florida, US |
| Genres | Bolero |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1945–2010 |
| Labels | Puchito, Zafiro |
Olga Guillot (born October 9, 1923 – died July 12, 2010) was a famous Cuban singer. She was known as the "Queen of Bolero". Bolero is a type of slow, romantic music. Olga was born in Santiago de Cuba.
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A Star is Born
Olga Guillot's parents were immigrants who moved to Cuba. Her father was a tailor, and her mother was a seamstress. Olga was born in Santiago de Cuba. Her family moved to Havana when she was five years old.
As a teenager, Olga and her sister, Ana Luisa, performed together. They were known as the "Duo Hermanitas Guillot." In 1945, her amazing talent as a bolero singer was discovered. A very important person in Cuban music, Facundo Rivero, heard her sing. He helped her start her professional singing career. She made her debut at a famous Havana night club.
Soon after, Olga met Miguelito Valdés. He took her to New York City. There, Olga recorded her first album with the Decca music company. She became well-known in the United States. This happened with her Spanish version of the song "Stormy Weather" in 1946.
Becoming an International Star
Olga Guillot traveled to Mexico in 1948. In Mexico, she became an international singer and actress. She appeared in several movies. She also recorded her second album there. Olga became very popular in Mexico, which was a big step in her career.
In 1954, she recorded her hit song "Miénteme" ("Lie to Me"). This song was written by Mexican composer Chamaco Domínguez. It became a huge success all over Latin America. Olga won three awards in Cuba for this song. She was named Cuba's best female singer three times in a row.
The year 1958 was very important for Olga. She went on her first tour in Europe. She performed in Italy, France, Spain, and Germany. She even sang with the legendary French singer Édith Piaf at a concert in Cannes.
Life in Exile and Continued Success
Olga Guillot had homes in Cuba and Mexico. However, she did not agree with the government in Cuba at the time. In 1962, she decided to leave Cuba for good. She moved to Venezuela. Not long after, she left Venezuela and made Mexico her main home.
She continued to tour all over the world. She sang in places like Israel, Japan, and Hong Kong. In 1963, Olga received the Golden Palm Award. She was named the "best bolero singer of Latin America." She received this award in Hollywood, California.
In 1964, Olga sang at New York's famous Carnegie Hall. She was the first Latin artist to perform there. During her career, she sang with many famous musicians. These included Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan. She was also close friends with fellow Cuban singer Celia Cruz.
Olga Guillot kept touring for the next forty years. She released over fifty albums. She also won many awards for her music. She was very good friends with Celia Cruz, whom she called her "sister." When Celia Cruz passed away, Olga was very sad. Olga Guillot was also the godmother of singer José José. She lived mainly in Mexico and had another home in Miami Beach, Florida.
Later Life and Passing
On July 12, 2010, Olga Guillot passed away. She was 87 years old. She died of a heart attack in Miami Beach, Florida. She is survived by her daughter, Olga Maria Touzet-Guillot. Her daughter's father was the pianist and composer, René Touzet.
Filmography
- Venus de Fuego (Mexico, 1949)
- No Me Olvides Nunca (Mexico/Cuba, 1956)
- Yambaó – Cry of the Bewitched (Mexico/Cuba, 1957)
- Matar Es Facil (Mexico, 1965)
