Lorenzo Hierrezuelo

Who was Lorenzo Hierrezuelo?

Lorenzo Hierrezuelo was a Cuban trova musician, a singer, guitarist and composer. His face showed clear signs of Indian descent: he was an Indo-mulatto. He was the son and nephew of soneros, and he grew up in the ambiance of this type of Cuban music and dance. At ten, he was singing in Santiago de Cuba; at thirteen he formed a trio with two friends: the trio eventually left for Havana. They sang in cafés and private houses.

He worked for most of his life in duos with three important Cuban trovadors. When his two friends returned to Oriente, Lorenzo met María Teresa Vera, and formed a duo with her in 1937. Later, with Compay Segundo, he formed the duo Los Compadres; lastly he continued under the same title with his brother, Reinaldo Hierrezuelo, known as Rey Caney. He also had a sister, Caridad Hierrezuelo, who was a singer in the guaracha style. Los Compadres became a successful touring act, singing in most countries of the Americas. Lorenzo and his brother remained based in Cuba for the rest of their lives. Reinaldo became a member of the Vieja Trova Santiaguera.