Gilberto Valdés
Cuban composer, conductor, flute and clarinet player. Born May 21, 1905 and died May 12, 1972
About Gilberto Valdés
Lived 1905 – 1972 (aged 66). Gilberto Valdés was a Cuban and American composer, conductor, clarinetist, flautist and musician.
Gilberto S. Valdés (21 May 1905, in Jovellanos, Matanzas – 12 May 1972, in New York City) was a Cuban music director and composer who specialised in the afro genre of Cuban popular music. Valdés was one of the first popular bandleaders to introduce African melody, rhythm and traditional themes into his music. His Afro-Cuban compositions first gained attention in 1935, when Rita Montaner, accompanied by the pianist Rafael Betancourt, presented his songs "Bembé", "Baró", "Tambó" and "Sangre africana" in the Teatro Principal de la Comedia.
Discography Cuban ballet Orquesta de Cámara de Madrid dir. Gilberto Valdés LP Montilla 92: Hi Fi in the tropics LP Montilla 94 Gran Orquesta Típica Nacional LP Puchito SP-114: Rezo de santo – Ritmo de santo de la tierra de África en Arará. LP Maype 180 La música del maestro Gilberto Valdés – Con su orquesta LP Panart 3101
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Gilberto Valdés?
Cuban composer, conductor, flute and clarinet player. Born May 21, 1905 and died May 12, 1972
When was Gilberto Valdés born?
Gilberto Valdés was born on 21 May 1905 in Jovellanos.
When did Gilberto Valdés die?
Gilberto Valdés died on 12 May 1972 in New York City.
What was Gilberto Valdés's occupation?
Gilberto Valdés was a composer, conductor, clarinetist, flautist and musician.
What nationality was Gilberto Valdés?
Gilberto Valdés was Cuban and American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Gilberto Valdés. https://biography.guide/gilberto-valdes/
MLA: "Gilberto Valdés." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/gilberto-valdes/.
Chicago: "Gilberto Valdés." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/gilberto-valdes/.
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