Willy Chirino

Cuba-born vocalist and bandleader Willy Chirino, long based in South Florida, fused Cuban musical traditions with American rock and jazz to help shape the “Miami sound” of salsa. Having written more than 100 songs, Chirino has seen his catalog interpreted by Raphael, Ricardo Montaner, Rocio Jurado, Celia Cruz, Oscar D’Leon, Angela Carrasco, Jorge Muniz, and Nydia Caro. His composition “Soy” alone has been recorded by over 60 artists; the Gipsy Kings’ version surpassed four million copies sold. Chirino also wrote and sang the theme songs for the Spanish-language telenovelas La Zulianita and Pobre Diabla. Recognition followed throughout his career: in 1993 he was crowned King of Miami’s Calle Ocho Festival, and two years later a stretch of NW 17th Avenue in Miami was officially designated Willy Chirino Way. Through the Willy Chirino Foundation he earned a UNICEF award for his efforts on behalf of children. In May 1989 he launched the restaurant and nightclub Zarabanda in Coral Gables, Florida.