Lecuona hailed from a family with a remarkable musical talent. Both his sisters were accomplished pianists and song composers, while his brothers were a pianist and a violinist. Even as a child, Lecuona displayed exceptional musical ability, showcasing his talent in public performances on the piano at just five years old. At the age of 11, he had his first composition published. He pursued his musical studies at the National Conservatory in Havana, where his teacher was Joaquin Nin. Although he graduated in 1911, Lecuona had already developed an interest in music of a more popular nature, and had formed a small orchestra that performed at ballrooms and early cinemas. His first recording was made in 1917. The preceding text is sourced from "A Guide to Popular Music" by Peter Gammond and Peter Clayton, published in the United Kingdom in 1960 by Phoenix House. Lecuona passed away while on vacation at the Canary Islands, where he was attending a concert held in his honor.
