FERNANDEZ, Terresita

Was a singer-songwriter, storyteller, and educator. Known as "La Cantora Mayor" (The Greatest Singer) for being the most prominent singer-songwriter in Cuban children's music across several generations, many of her compositions are anthems to love and Cuban identity. Her musical training began at home. She started singing at the age of four on a local radio station in Santa Clara. She contributed lyrics and music to the Cuban musical heritage. Her creations blend the sounds of old ballads and rural folklore, and include musical settings of texts by José Martí and Gabriela Mistral .