Remembering Compay Segundo: Celebrating a Cuban Legend 21 Years After His Passing
On July 14, we mark the 21st anniversary of the death of Compay Segundo, a legendary figure in Cuban music. Born Máximo Francisco Repilado Muñoz on November 18, 1907, in Siboney, a small town in Santiago de Cuba province, Compay Segundo left an indelible mark on the world of music with his exceptional talent and innovative spirit.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
From a young age, Compay Segundo demonstrated an innate musical talent. He quickly learned to play several instruments, including the guitar, clarinet, and bongos. However, it was his creativity and ingenuity that truly set him apart. He invented the armónico, a hybrid instrument that combined elements of the Spanish guitar and the Cuban tres, adding a unique sound to Cuban music.
Compay Segundo began his musical career in the 1930s. He was involved in various musical groups, such as the Cuarteto de Trovadores Orientales and the Cuarteto Hatuey. He also served as a vocalist for Miguel Matamoros’s ensemble, gaining significant experience and exposure.
Formation of Los Compadres
In 1948, Compay Segundo’s career took a pivotal turn when he formed the duo Los Compadres with Lorenzo Hierrezuelo. In this partnership, Lorenzo became known as “Compay Primo,” and Francisco Repilado adopted the moniker “Compay Segundo,” which would become his legendary stage name. The duo performed son cubano, a style of music popular among the guajiros (peasants) of Eastern Cuba, and their fame soared in the 1940s and 1950s. They recorded numerous albums, and their popularity continued to grow both in Cuba and internationally.
When Repilado eventually left the duo due to personal differences, Lorenzo’s brother, Reinaldo Hierrezuelo, stepped in to continue the legacy of Los Compadres.
International Fame and Buena Vista Social Club
The late 1990s marked a significant resurgence in Compay Segundo’s career. Renowned American guitarist Ry Cooder traveled to Havana and conceived the idea for the album Buena Vista Social Club. Released in 1997, this album featured many illustrious Cuban musicians, including Omara Portuondo, Ibrahim Ferrer, Pío Leyva, Rubén González, and Eliades Ochoa. The album’s success was monumental, earning a Grammy Award and inspiring German filmmaker Wim Wenders to create a documentary of the same name.
With the release of Buena Vista Social Club and its accompanying film, Compay Segundo achieved worldwide fame. He performed in prestigious venues such as the Olympia in Paris, Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Sala Nervi at the Vatican, where he had the honor of performing before Pope John Paul II.
Compay Segundo’s Lasting Legacy
Compay Segundo’s contributions to Cuban music are celebrated and remembered through his recordings and the lasting influence of his innovative techniques. His ability to blend traditional sounds with inventive approaches created a rich musical heritage that continues to inspire artists and musicians around the world. As we commemorate the 21st anniversary of his passing, his legacy lives on in every note of his music and in the hearts of fans who cherish his contributions to the cultural tapestry of Cuba.
