• Submitted by: manso
• Arts and Culture
• 10 / 03 / 2010

---

The great orchestra of several generations of Cubans, the Aragon celebrates its 71st anniversary. La Charanga Eterna —as it is also known— has more than half a century of musical magic.

This group has become a symbol of Cuba sound in the world. Its unique rhythms carry the listener into a very Cuban dream.

The Aragón orchestra is a popular band of Cuban charanga. Its characteristic chords are based on the traditional African rhythm and Spanish melodies, plus three violins.

Indeed, the group did not gain its popularity by only performing son but also ventured successfully into the New York mambo.

The band of Orestes Aragón Cantero debuted in 1939, with the name of Rítmica Aragón and his famous theme in those days was José Blanco’s "La Bella Cubana”. The Tropicana cabaret was the main venue of danzón, where the orchestra premiered songs of the popular genre as well as waltzes, cuplet and others.

Nearly two decades later comes the great moment of La Aragón, in 1953, when the cha cha rhythm emerges. The charming voice of lead singer Pepe Olmo “the sweetest voice of Cuba” is added to the band.

According to Pepe Olmo, the distinctive features of La Aragón were "voices, Richard Egües´ flute and the direction of Rafael Lay.” They became the most famous orchestra on the island in the great moment of Cuban music in the early 1950's.

Hundreds of top songs made the repertoire, unrepeatable versions of songs like "Olga's Tamale", "The warehouseman", "Stop, driver" and "Cachita" among others, offer a versatile musical pitch historically played in this orchestra that earned the nickname La Charanga Eterna.

Congratulations to La Aragón.

By Maite Lopez Pino

Cubasi Translation Staff