The Cuban songwriter and singer Benito de la Fuente Escalona passed away on Wednesday, May 28, at the age of 77. He leaves behind a significant legacy in the island's musical landscape, with hits like “Oxígeno,” famously performed by the talented Willy Chirino, among other well-known works.
Born on May 29, 1948, Benito blended his academic background, having earned a degree in Psychology in 1974, with his musical passion. During his university years in Havana, he led the Típico de Ciencias group, which focused on reviving classic works by Miguel Matamoros, Manuel Corona, and Ignacio Piñeiro, as reported by the state-run portal Cubadebate.
His career gained substantial recognition through his involvement with the group Mayohuacán from 1976 to 1990. Here, he composed nearly a third of their repertoire and performed on both national and international stages, including appearances at the Berlin Political Song Festivals in 1979 and 1980. He was also the creative force behind other memorable songs such as “En la marejada,” “Centroamérica,” and “El corazón de La Habana.”
In the 1990s, De la Fuente joined the Latin Recording Academy, participating as a voter for the Latin Grammy Awards from 1999 to 2003. After spending some years in Venezuela (1993-2006), he became associated with the Alí Primera Bolivarian Song Cultural Association, helping to promote Latin American folklore from the General Secretariat.
Benito received numerous accolades and honors, including the Distinction for National Culture and the Coin for the 50th Anniversary of the Nueva Trova Movement, among other awards bestowed by the Havana regime. Institutions such as the Ministry of Culture and the Cuban Institute of Music extended their condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Legacy and Impact of Benito de la Fuente
What were some of Benito de la Fuente's most notable contributions to music?
Benito de la Fuente is best known for composing "Oxígeno," performed by Willy Chirino, and for his involvement with the group Mayohuacán, contributing significantly to its repertoire. He also created other notable songs like “En la marejada” and “El corazón de La Habana.”
How did Benito de la Fuente combine his psychology background with his music career?
Benito de la Fuente merged his psychology education with his musical endeavors by leading the Típico de Ciencias group during his university years, focusing on reviving classic Cuban works, showcasing an analytical approach to music.