Pablo Milanés turned 77 years old

February 28, 2020

The famous Cuban singer-songwriter Pablo Milanés Arias, one of the founders —along with Silvio Rodríguez and Noel Nicola— of the Nueva Trova, turned 77 years old on Monday, February 24.

Numerous were the congratulatory messages on social media that the interpreter of "Yolanda" received from followers, artistic institutions, colleagues in the profession, and family members. Among them, the emotional words from two of his daughters, Haydée and Liam Milanés, could not be missing.

"With the same love with which I look at you, I wish you so many happy returns on your day dad, may it be with health, peace, joy and all the good things that you deserve! I love you", wrote Haydée alongside a photo of both of them.

"Who has a birthday today? Happy birthday my chubby, you deserve the best in the world. May the Universe fill you with good wishes", said Liam for her part.

Even the Artistic Agency of Performing Arts (ACTUAR) dedicated some words to recall Milanés' impressive musical trajectory.

"The Cuban singer-songwriter Pablo Milanés celebrates his birthday today, February 24. One of the most outstanding exponents of the Nueva Trova movement in Cuba along with Silvio Rodríguez, Noel Nicola and Sara González, among others. Many happy returns", they wrote.

Pablo Milanés, born in the current province of Granma, studied music at the Municipal Conservatory of Havana.

His beginnings in art were greatly influenced by traditional Cuban music, "feeling" and jazz. In 1964, he joined the quartet Los Bucaneros and also tried his luck as an occasional soloist, thus diversifying his experiences.

Under the influence of the First International Meeting of Protest Song, held in Varadero in 1967, Milanés began to create songs with political content. A year later, he offered his first concert with Silvio Rodríguez at the House of the Americas. This would be the initial sample of what would later emerge as the Nueva Trova movement.

As a composer, Pablo has touched on various styles. He even belonged to the Sound Experimentation Group, responsible for composing themes for national cinema. Among his most remembered songs are: "Yo no te pido", "Los años mozos", "Cuba va", "Hoy la vi", "Yolanda", "No me pidas", among others.