A master of the traditional Cuban son and trova styles — Compay Segundo spent decades in near-retirement before the Buena Vista Social Club recordings brought his voice and seven-string guitar to audiences worldwide at age 89.
Born Francisco Repilado in Siboney, Santiago de Cuba, Compay Segundo developed his style in the trova tradition of eastern Cuba, working with various groups and ensembles across the 20th century. He was known for his warm baritone, his mastery of the armonico (seven-string guitar), and his deep knowledge of the old son and trova repertoire.
In his later years, he worked as a tobacconist in Havana. When Ry Cooder arrived in 1996, Compay Segundo was 89 years old and largely forgotten. His performances on the Buena Vista Social Club album — particularly his recording of Chan Chan, which he had composed decades earlier — became beloved worldwide. He went on to record several solo albums and tour internationally until his death at 95, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of Cuban musical heritage.