Pablo Quevedo

Better known as the "Divo of the Crystal Voice," he was one of the most beloved popular Cuban singers of his era, of humble origins. His voice was never recorded but was remembered by his admirers.

He was born in Unión de Reyes, province of Matanzas, Cuba. He lost his mother and was raised by his uncle's wife. At eight years old he began working in a cigar factory and later became a barber's apprentice. He was later seen working diligently in the town bakery. With a group of faithful friends he became fond of music, especially tango, which was fashionable at that time.

When the Danzonete phenomenon was approaching in 1929 and singers were beginning to become fashionable, he decided to settle in La Habana; he was already afflicted by the illness that had weakened his delicate lungs.

In the sanatorium where he was convalescing, he began a friendship with singer Panchito Carbó, who introduced him to music. Together they formed an acclaimed duet "Los Ases" and performed on La Hora Divina.

He later joined different groups, such as the orchestra "Los Caciques," establishing himself as a notable interpreter of the romantic songbook. He was part of the Bohemio trio, in which Nené Enriso and Cuco Soroa participated; and the "Cuarteto Hatuey" with Enriso himself, Vitaliano Mata, and Miguelito García.

He achieved his definitive consecration with the orchestra of Cheo Belén Puig, on the CMQ radio station. Radio was the ideal vehicle for his expression, although he performed in theaters and dance halls. His popularity was built on songs such as:

African Queen.
Just One Little Look.
Little Crystal Bells.
The Mysterious Key.
A Promise.
Lupina.
Idyll.

Opinions About His Voice

Pablo Quevedo left no recordings. History remained in oral tradition. Chronicler Eduardo Robreño recalls that "he had a small voice, but perfectly tuned like none other."

In an interview with the late broadcaster Germán Pinelli, it was recounted that the style of the Matanzas singer was marked by a soft voice, with rich nuances and a very sad tone, perhaps because of the illness he suffered.

From 1935 onward he monopolized the attention of radio listeners; by 1936 he was already at his peak; he made excellent use of the microphone that was being introduced to radio, according to maestro Manuel Villar.

It was November 10, 1936. The radios interrupted their regular programming. The news circulated throughout the Island, "Pablo Quevedo, the popular singer had died." The "Divo of the Crystal Voice," as they called him, fell silent forever at 28 years of age when his successes were greatest.

According to testimonies from that time, it was one of the largest funerals ever remembered.

Works Sung by Pablo Quevedo
Dream, bolero Manolo Romero
Idyll, bolero Manolo Romero
African Queen, Manolo Romero
My Heart, Graciano Gómez
What She Has, Graciano Gómez
Goodbye, Graciano Gómez
You Were Born This Way, Graciano Gómez
Do You Remember, Graciano Gómez
Happy in the Cane Field, Julián Fiallo
The Prisoner, Julián Fiallo
Little Crystal Bells, Rafael Hernández
A Kiss on the Soul, José Figuerola
That's Why I Love You, Arturo Ojea
Your Betrayal Again, Antonio Ojea
When She Left, Antonio Ojea
Indecision, Enrique González
That's It, Enrique González
My Soul Cries, Armando Valdespí
To an Ungrateful One, Manuel Corona
Your Conscience, Manuel Corona
For You or Obsession Pedro Flores
If I Could Speak to You, Julio Brito
Promise, Gelasio Deliz
Pleasant Memories, Pablo Quevedo
I Can Forget You, Pablo Quevedo
Ideal Dream, Pablo Quevedo.