Internationally famous sonero (improvising Latin singer), composer, and riveting entertainer; nicknamed 'Mr Babalú' because he recorded and performed the song so often: an acclaimed pioneering interpreter of Afro-Cuban songs, which both celebrated the heritage of Cuban blacks and highlighted their suffering. He took his music from the streets of Havana to the international stages and established an enduring legacy in the process.
Born to a Cuban-Spanish father and Mexican Maya Indian mother; from age ten he grew up in Havana's Cayo Hueso district listening to Santeria (Afro-Cuban cult music) and classical music; in his teens he befriended Arsenio Rodriguez, Chano Pozo and Félix Chappottin; their musical careers would all intertwine and all would become Cuban musical legends in their own right.
By 1927 he was a singer with Sexteto Habanero Juvenil; by ’29 he joined group Sexteto Occidente as a chorus singer; Machito was also a member at the time. He relocated to Panama '33-36; and became a major star there as the vocalist with Lucho Azcarraga orchestra. Shortly after he returned to Cuba in '36, leader Manolo Castro recruited him for Los Hermanos Castro. Valdés's innovative improvisational rendition of Afro-Cuban numbers caused a sensation. Finding Castro's band too inflexible, he and six other members departed '37 to organize the band Orquesta Casino de la Playa, signed with RCA Victor and made about 200 78s, including Valdés's original '39 hit version of “Babalú.” This was the short yet productive period where he made his reputation, and established his credentials.
records put him on the front cover of Billboard ‘42, giving him national exposure. Cugat released Valdés in '42 and he began a solo career at NYC's La Conga club. He made two albums with “Machito and his Afro-Cubans,” in 48 hours to beat the national musicians' strike.
He relocated to Mexico City '42-4 where he appeared in twelve movies, then returned to the USA Sep. '44 to reside in Los Angeles. He released popular recordings with La Sonora Matancera and Noro Morales, also recorded twelve remakes of Cugat tracks, and organized his own big band in Los Angeles '48, which he led until '54.
Valdés and his orchestra made 22 classic recordings during five sessions '49 for the SMC label. He disbanded '54 when business would not sustain a full-sized band. Faced with the mid-'50s emergence of rock'n'roll and new Latin stars, Valdés went into retirement in L.A. Music director Mario Bauzá invited him to return to NYC to reunite with Machito on LP “Reunion” '63 on Tico. This re-established his career, including his own TV show '66-76.
Mr. Babalu had a mild heart attack in Mexico March '78, then collapsed and died on stage during a performance at the Hotel Tequendama, Bogotá, Colombia, in November.
