With a voice occasionally choked with emotion, Alfredito Rodríguez recalled the moment he shut the door to his Havana apartment and left Cuba. That memory, he admitted, still lingers as a deep wound.
The beloved musician and presenter passed away this Thursday at the age of 74, leaving a significant void in Cuban culture and in the hearts of generations who grew up with his voice, humor, and kindness.
"I wouldn't wish this upon anyone. I'm still crying because I left behind the love of so many people," Alfredito Rodríguez reflected on his departure from Cuba during an interview four years ago on *La Casa de Maka*, a talk show in Miami that gathers figures from Cuban art and culture.
With tears welling up, the cherished artist recounted that before leaving, he received a lifelong gift: an image of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, a present from Hortensia, the wife of broadcaster Manuel Ortega.
"She told me no one would take care of it like I would. The day I left Cuba, I took a backpack with the Virgin inside. It still resides in my home and will remain as long as I live. That was my only baggage," he confessed.
The performer explained that his decision to leave was not easy but necessary.
"I left my people, those who supported my humble career. I've done my part, what I could, what I knew, but my children needed to soar. If they shine and have wings, then I'm a bird that flies too," he expressed.
He also recounted how his son, the talented musician Alfredo Rodríguez Jr., was barred from returning to Cuba to participate in International Jazz Day at the invitation of Quincy Jones.
"They denied him entry. No one can understand that. A young man who only wants his music to spread, who loves Cuba and has done no harm. What madness!" he lamented.
Alfredito shared that he even left with his dog, Lucas, leaving behind his life and career in Havana.
"We went to Mexico, and when my children decided to keep flying, I did too. I have no regrets. If they're okay, I'm okay," he affirmed.
Regarding his arrival in Miami, he acknowledged that the first years were tough.
"Coming here is challenging. Artistically, you're playing solo with the New York Yankees. But as long as there's one person listening, there's the artist. There are no secondary roles. There's love, passion, respect for whoever listens, be it one or ten thousand," he shared with his usual humility.
During the conversation, the artist also reflected on the affection of the Cuban audience, both on and off the island.
"They're angels who come to sing and support. They say to me, 'I fell in love with one of your songs,' or 'my son is named after you.' That means more than anything," he remarked emotionally.
"That audience is not your rival; it's your friend. You must cherish them because they've come to see you. Sometimes they put on their best shirt to listen to you. Always keep your feet on the ground. As Martí said, 'All the glory of the world fits in a grain of corn,'" he expressed with wisdom.
Proud of his children and grateful for life, Alfredito admitted that his family was always his greatest strength.
"For me, family is the most sacred. My children are my reason for living. I talk to them ten times a day. My son is an extraordinary musician, and Daniel is my bread, noble and good. If they fly, I fly with them," he affirmed.
More than a musician, Alfredito Rodríguez was an emblem of sensitivity, decency, and love for his people.
His appearance on *La Casa de Maka* left one of the most heartfelt testimonies of an artist who, beyond his talent, was deeply beloved by his community.
Insights into Alfredito Rodríguez's Departure from Cuba
Why did Alfredito Rodríguez leave Cuba?
Alfredito Rodríguez left Cuba because his children needed opportunities to grow and succeed. He felt it was necessary for them to "soar," and he wanted to support them by joining them in their new journey.
What did Alfredito Rodríguez take with him when he left Cuba?
Alfredito took a backpack with him, containing an image of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, a significant gift from a close friend, which remained with him throughout his life.
How did Alfredito Rodríguez view his audience?
Alfredito viewed his audience as friends, not adversaries. He believed in cherishing them, acknowledging their effort to see him perform, and maintained humility and respect for every listener.