Henry Fiol

Born in Manhattan, New York on January 16, 1947, Henry Fiol is a singer, songwriter, bandleader and painter that specializes in performing various styles of Cuban music. He is best-known for his traditional approach to son Cubano, a style of Cuban music that originated during the late 19th century. Born to an Italian American mother and Puerto Rican father, he was influenced by many styles of music including doo wop, son, and rhythmic music. His early ambition was to be a painter, so he studied fine arts at Hunter College in New York before beginning his career as a musician in 1969. Forming the conjunto – which is a small musical group - Saoco in 1974, he recorded a pair of albums with them: Siempre seré guajiro (1976) and Macho mumba, released on Salsoul Records in 1977. After leaving Saoco, he released his debut solo album, Fe, esperanza y caridad, in 1980. He released two more albums – El secreto (1981) and La ley de la jungle (1983) – before he formed a new conjunto and set up his own label, both named Corazón. The first three albums he released with Corazón remain some of his most respected musical works: Corazón (1983), Colorao y negro (1985), and Juega biller (1986). Later albums in his career include Guapería (2002), De cachet (2008), Ciudadana del mundo. (2012). Henry Fiol’s son Gordon is a conga drummer and pianist.

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