Bebo Valdés

Bebo Valdés, born in Cuba in 1918, was a highly regarded pianist, composer, and arranger who worked with various artists in Havana before leaving for Sweden in 1963. Despite a long hiatus from recording, he made a successful comeback in the late 90s, collaborating with Paquito D'Rivera and releasing albums into the 2010s. Valdés' influence on Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin American music is evident in his compositions and performances, showcased in the documentary film "Calle 54." He passed away in 2013 at the age of 94 in Stockholm.

Valdés' resurgence in the late 90s was marked by a successful recording session and subsequent albums, including a trio set with Israel "Cachao" Lopez and Carlos "Patato" Valdés. His twilight career success coincided with renewed interest in traditional Cuban music, further solidifying his legacy as an important composer in Afro-Cuban jazz. Valdés' impact on Latin American music and his collaborations with artists like his son Chucho Valdés and Paquito D'Rivera continue to be celebrated in the music world.