Known as the “Acuarelista de la poesia Antillana” (Watercolorist of Caribbean poetry), this musician of extraordinary talent was born on July 26, 1923, in Santiago de Cuba province, where he began his work as a music teacher, repertoire writer, and cultural promoter.
Since he was very young, Carbonell worked as an English teacher and played the violin. Later, after performing on several stages, he joined the CMKC radio station in his hometown as a piano accompanist.
In mid-1946, he traveled to New York, the United States, where he worked in a jewelry store and alternated performances at family gatherings, the Casa Galicia restaurant, and the International and Tropicana clubs as a piano accompanist or reciter with important stars of show business. Given the immense art he possessed and defended almost until his death, Carbonell received several prizes, including the National Music Award and the Humor Award.
His voice could be heard on stages worldwide, while his extensive recording work includes more than 15 full-length albums and three CDs.
When he died in Havana on May 24, 2014, at the age of 90, Luis Carbonell left behind an excellent work that, along with his simplicity, made him one of the most extraordinary artist and symbol of his country.
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