Elíades Ochoa

From the outset of his career until 50 years later when Buena Vista Social Club made him a household name, Eliades Ochoa built his repertoire from Cuban traditional music, in particular sons, guarachas, guajiras, and boleros. As a child, he learned to play guitar and tres (an adapted guitar), and also began singing. In 1958 he moved to the city of Santiago and during the following decade, developed a career as a professional musician. Among groups with which he played were the Oriental Quintet and the Típico Septet. For many years, Ochoa was closely linked with the Cuarteto Pa...