Arsenio Rodríguez
Ignacio Arsenio Travieso Scull, known professionally as Arsenio Rodríguez, was
born on August 31, 1911, in Güira de Macurijes, Matanzas Province, Cuba. A
composer, bandleader, and musician, he lost his sight at around seven years of
age after being kicked in the head by a horse, but became proficient in playing
the tres and the tumbadora. His breakthrough came as a songwriter in 1937 when
his composition “Bruca maniguá” was recorded by Orquesta Casino de la Playa. In
1940, Rodríguez formed his own conjunto, which became one of the most successful
popular dance ensembles of the de...
