Twitter
YouTube
Facebook

Willy Chirino

Willy Chirino

Willy Chirino

Born April 5, 1947 in Pinar del Río, Cuba, Willy Chirino is salsa singer with numerous number 1 hits especially throughout the 90´s

Combining the musical traditions of Cuba with American rock and jazz, Cuba-born and South Florida-based vocalist and bandleader Willie Chirino helped to create the “Miami Sound” of Salsa music. The composer of more than one hundred songs, Chirino’s material has been covered by a lengthy list of artists including Raphael, Ricardo Montaner, Rocio Jurado, Celia Cruz, Oscar D’Leon, Angela Carrasco, Jorge Muniz and Nydia Caro. Chirino’s song, “Soy,” has been recorded by more than sixty artists including The Gypsy Kings, whose interpretation sold more than four million copies. Chirino also composed and performed the theme songs for Spanish-language television soap operas, “La Zulianita” and “Pobre Diabla.”

 

“Willy Chirino owns night club, Zarabanda”

 

His father was the town’s State Attorney and his mother was a pharmacist who worked at home. He was the only boy in his family (he had three sisters). His town did not have any crime and was very peaceful; the worst thing that happened was someone trying to steal medicine from their house. He lived a calm life in this town for fourteen years

We saw Willy Chirino on PBS May or June celebrating his 35th., year in music. I always liked his music, so naturally decided to see the special. The music was fantastic, and, decided to get a CD, and, unfortunately most stores in my area do not carry a full Latin line. I was looking for, Willy Chirino, Greatest Hits. I plan on purchasing his newest CD Pa’Lante, and probably will also purchase the 35th., anniversary special. The minute you hear the first track on Greatest Hits, you just want to get up and dance.

Chirino has received numerous awards throughout his career. He was named “King” of Miami’s Calle Ocho Festival in 1993. Two years later, a section of NW 17th Avenue in Miami was christened “Willie Chirino Way”. Chirino received a UNICEF award for his work for children via the Willie Chirino Foundation.

 

In May, 1989, Chirino opened a restaurant and night club, Zarabanda, in Coral Gables, Florida. Craig Harris, Rovi

 

Willy Chirino