Rolando Laserie

Born on 27 August 1923 in Santa Clara, Cuba, Laserie died on 22 November 1998 in Coral Gables, Florida, USA. During his early years he trained on percussion and later settled in Havana, where he performed timbales in La Banda Gigante behind its singer, the noted Cuban vocalist Beny Moré. Engagements on Radio Progresso followed, during which he became a singer and formed a trio with Tony Alvarez and Olga Chorens, accompanied by Bebo Valdés’ radio orchestra. His deep, gravelly delivery proved especially effective in guaracha and bolero pieces, rendered through a charismatic half-sung, half-spoken style. He recorded often during the 1950s, frequently with the Ernesto Duarte Orchestra. After Fidel Castro took power, Laserie left Cuba for Mexico in 1960, later moving to New York and Miami. Although he recorded more sporadically once he became an American citizen, he joined mambo great Israel ‘Cachao’ López for a reunion concert in 1996.