American Strings: Eliades Ochoa

One of the most renowned Cuban soneros of all time, a notable defender of traditional Cuban music, and a legendary guitarist and tresero of his generation, Eliades Ochoa joins American Strings host Kelly Bosworth for a one-on-one conversation before playing a full set with his band. Come hear how Ochoa, alongside Compay Segundo and the veteran musicians of the Buena Vista Social Club, inspired a global craze playing traditional songs that pay homage to the Spanish and African roots of Cuban music. And yes, you can expect to see this legendary, multi-Grammy-winning champion of the Son Cubano wearing his signature cowboy hat. Eliades Ochoa was born in Santiago de Cuba on June 22, 1946, in Songo la Maya, Santiago de Cuba. Eliades is considered one of the most renowned Cuban “soneros” of all time, a notable defender of traditional Cuban music, and the best guitarist of his generation. His distinctive cowboy hat and his penchant for wearing black have led some to call him “The Cuban Johnny Cash.” From a very young age, he began to play the guitar with his parents of peasant origin as teachers and in a self-taught way. He alternated with itinerant troubadours from a very young age. In his walks through “guateques,” bars, and “zonas de tolerancia,” he began to learn the vast traditional repertoire of Cuban music, of which he is a teacher today. His musical style is due to his place of origin, the Cuban countryside, the anecdotes he listened to, the “guateques campesinos,” and a series of other elements that marked him and made him the artist he is today. Now in its seventh year, PRAx and the College of Liberal Arts at Oregon State University present American Strings, a series of conversations and intimate performances with iconic musicians from the Americas whose perspectives shape our world. Prior guests have included Keb’ Mo’, Rosanne Cash, esperanza spalding, and many more. Hosted by ethnomusicologist and public historian Kelly Bosworth, American Strings performances…