Polo Montañez facts for kids

Polo Montañez (born Fernando Borrego Linares; June 5, 1955 – November 26, 2002) was a famous Cuban singer and songwriter. He was known for his unique musical style and his humble personality. People often called him the Guajiro Natural, which means "Natural Countryman", because his songs were about everyday life in the Cuban countryside.

Polo Montañez's Early Life

Polo Montañez was born Fernando Borrego Linares on a farm called El Brujito in Sierra del Rosario, Pinar del Río. From a young age, he worked many different jobs. He drove tractors, milked cows, and helped on his family's farm. He also worked as a lumberjack and made charcoal.

In his free time, Polo loved to sing. He would go from house to house, sharing his music. He started singing and playing instruments at local parties and family gatherings with his father. By the age of seven, he was already playing the tumbadora (a type of drum) and the guitar.

How Polo Became Famous

"…Polo composes while he's walking or driving a tractor, while he's swimming, under the rain, the sun or the moon, when he's seeding the land... and even when he's sleeping".

—Booklet from his first album.

Polo Montañez began leading a music group that performed in the tourist areas of La Cordillera de los Órganos. He moved several times and in 1972, he settled in the tourist community of Las Terrazas.

He wrote his first song, "Este tiempo feliz" (This happy time), in 1973. After that, he kept writing many more songs. However, he kept them hidden away because he didn't think they were very good.

Discovering His Talent

Around 1994, when the Complejo Las Terrazas tourist center opened, Polo and his group started playing at different places there. They performed at places like Hotel Moka and Rancho Curujey. During these performances, he met the owner of a European music label called Lusafrica.

In 1999, Polo signed a contract to record his music. This led to his first album, "Guajiro Natural". The album included his famous song "Un montón de Estrellas".

International Success

Polo's music quickly became popular. In Colombia, his first album sold over 40,000 copies. This earned him Gold and Platinum awards. He was recognized as the most listened-to international artist there. His humble personality and songs about country life made him known as the Guajiro Natural.

Polo Montañez was 44 years old when he became famous. He had written more than 70 songs by himself. He had no formal music training or knowledge. He learned by listening to the sounds of the countryside. He created his own unique style, mixing different rhythms he knew. His songs often included details from rural life, like the smell of coal or the bateys (sugar workers' towns).

In Cuba, Polo's popularity grew incredibly fast. His concerts attracted huge crowds, much larger than expected. For example, in 2002, he played a big concert in Holguín. So many people came that it surprised the event organizers.

Countries Polo Montañez Visited

Polo Montañez traveled to many countries to share his music. He visited Colombia five times and France twice. He also performed in Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, México, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.

He had the chance to perform with many other famous artists. These included Rubén Blades, Andy Montañez, Margarita Francisco, Cesária Évora, Cándido Fabré, Francisco Repilado (Compay Segundo), Eliades Ochoa, Adalberto Álvarez, Danny Rivera, and Gilberto Santa Rosa.

Polo Montañez's Death

Polo Montañez passed away on November 26, 2002. He was hospitalized at the Carlos J. Finlay Military Hospital for six days after a serious car accident. The accident happened in the Coronela area near San Cristóbal, Pinar del Río. He was buried in the cemetery of Candelaria, in Artemisa.

A cultural center in the main square of Viñales, Pinar del Río, is named in his honor. This helps keep his memory alive.

Soon after his death, songwriter José Valladares wrote a song called "Cazador de Estrellas" (Star Hunter) to honor Polo. Many artists, like Pedro Calvo and Paulito FG, sang this song as a tribute to the unforgettable Guajiro Natural.

Polo Montañez's Music Albums

• Guajiro Natural (2000) - CD Lusafrica 362202
• Guitarra Mía (2002) - CD Lusafrica 362502
• Memoria (2004) - CD Lusafrica 462222
• El Guajiro (2005) - DVD Lusafrica 462438, 2005
• Cuestión de Suerte (2006)

His most famous song was "Un montón de estrellas". It was included on his albums Guajiro Natural and Memoria. This song showed his deep feelings and love for everything that touched his heart. It became a huge hit all across Latin America.

See also