Two great merits make imperishable the musician, composer, and notable flutist, who was born in Camagüey city on Pobre Street, on May 24th, 1882. He is recognized for his great works in favor of culture: being the creator of the Creole as a genuinely Cuban musical genre, and the initiator of radio broadcasts in our country. We are talking about Luis Casas Romero.
But if something keeps him forever linked to this land, it is the radio, the high audience that is still informed, in times when the internet and other digital media monopolize the attention of many, is undoubtedly a reverence of the people of Camagüey to the precursor of the magic of the radio.
In the ether
With the creation of the radio in Cuba on August 22nd, 1922 by the musician and patriot from Camaguey with his son, Luis Casas Rodríguez, the first signal on the air from the capital La 2LC, its music and that of others notable Cubans would also be broadcasted.
With the triumph of the Revolution and the creation in 1962 of the Cuban Institute of Broadcasting, the Radio Cadena Agramonte station became the headquarters of the province of Camagüey; its operation was reorganized and adequate profiles were created in the programming, which kept the recreational message, but with new educational forms of orientation and information to the people.
Since June 9th, 1957, Camagüey have a radio station that has penetrated the hearts of its listeners and like the one created by Luis Casa Romero not also informs but also seeks to spread the musical values of the patio.
Other creations: the Children’s Music Band
His passion for music did not separate him from his independence ideals; when he was barely 15 years old, he joined the ranks of the Liberation Army under the command of General López Recio. In the battlefield, he was appointed cornet of order. There he was wounded in a leg, an injury that left him with permanent pain.
At the end of the war, in his native Camagüey, the young Casas Romero founded the Children’s Music Band and with it began to give public concerts in the parks.
His departure
Of his 500 scores, some disappeared over time, but to the delight of the Cubans his unforgettable melodies El Mambí and Si llego a besarte survive.
Commemorating 71 years of his physical departure on October 30th, today,from the radio, his mambisa soul and musical inspiration merge in one.
Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García
