Carlos Varela

Born in Cuba to Spanish immigrant parents, singer/songwriter Carlos Varela began writing songs in 1978. He entered La Nueva Trova two years afterward, the movement founded by Silvio Rodriguez and Pablo Milanes. After completing an acting degree at the Cuban Art Institute ISA, he issued his debut album Jalisco Park in 1989. The live set Carlos Varela en Vivo appeared in 1991, followed by Monedas Al Aire in 1992. In 1994 he released the contemporary folk album Como Los Peces, which mixed infectious melodies with reflective ballads, and made his MTV Latino debut with the song “Robinson.” His first American concert took place in 1998 at Miami’s Songwriters in the Round festival.