Arsenio Rodríguez Cuba

Biography

Ignacio de Loyola Rodríguez Scull, known as Arsenio Rodríguez* (August 30, 1911 - December 31, 1971) was a Cuban musician who developed the son montuno. He was a prolific composer and wrote nearly two hundred songs. He was born in Güira de Macurijes in the province of Matanzas. As a young child, Rodríguez was blinded when a horse (or possibly a mule) kicked him in the head. Later, he became a musician, and eventually became one of the most renowned bandleaders on the island earning him the nickname "El Ciego Maravilloso".