Arsenio and «Pancholín»: two greats of the pentagram (+audios)

Remembered as Cieguito Maravilloso and revered for the enormous contributions he bequeathed to Cuban music, Ignacio Loyola Rodríguez was born in Güira de Macurijes, Pedro Betancourt, on August 30th, 1911.

Arsenio Rodriguez, as he was finally baptized by history, became a fundamental piece for our culture and his versatility and inventiveness, as well as his masterful gifts in composition and interpretation notably enriched the musical variety of genres such as Cuban son, bolero, guaracha, Latin jazz and New York salsa.

There are many enthusiasts of his legacy, but among them stands out Francisco Benedicto González Lobe, better known as «Pancholín», who not only discovered the most interesting passages of the life and work of this singer-songwriter, but also treasured them in his book Arsenio Rodríguez en la memoria musical cubana (Arsenio Rodríguez in the Cuban musical memory).

Published by Editorial El Mar y la Montaña, during the last Cuba 2022 International Book Fair in the eastern part of the country, the volume exposes various aspects and events in Arsenio’s life from his childhood until his death in the United States in 1971.

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Pancholín» was a tribute to this emblematic Cuban musician with admiration and deference.

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Likewise, González Lobe, who recently presented this literary jewel in an emotional act in the reading room of Arsenio Rodríguez’s hometown, also highlights the importance of encouraging the study of the figure of Cieguito Maravilloso in academic centers.

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The imprint of Arsenio Rodríguez shines in the hearts of the followers of his musical work and thanks to the colossal contribution of his greatest admirer, Francisco González Lobe, the mastery and talent that characterized him in life, will continue to influence those who find in his temperament the most appropriate example to follow.

Written by Yadiel Barbón Salgado.