Compay Segundo

Legendary Cuban guitarist Compay Segundo was born in Siboney, bearing the name Máximo Francisco Repilado Muñoz, in 1907. He played with Sindo Garay, Miguel Matamoros and Benny Moré, until he became one of the most respected guitarists of pre revolutionary Cuba.

Toward the late 20’s he invented the armonico, a guitar with a third double string, to fuse the tone quality of the tres and the classical Spanish guitar. After Fidel Castro’s rise to power, Compay worked as a cigar roller before going back to music in the late 80’s.

He also won worldwide fame for his participation in Buena Vista Social Club by Ry Cooder, which allowed him to edit the solo album Calle Salud in 1999. He passed away due to kidney problems in his home in Havana July 13, 2003.

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