VALDES, Marta

Marta Valdés (1934–2024) was a Cuban composer, guitarist, singer, music critic, and writer, widely regarded as the leading figure of the second generation of the Cuban filin movement. Born in Havana, she studied music with several distinguished Cuban musicians, including Odilio Urfé, Vicente González Rubiera ("Guyún"), and Harold Gramatges. Her innovative harmonic language and poetic songwriting transformed the Cuban art song and bolero, creating a bridge between the filin movement and the later Nueva Trova. Her songs have been performed by generations of artists, including Pablo Milanés, Silvia Pérez Cruz, and Omara Portuondo. In 2007, she received Cuba's National Music Prize in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Cuban music. She also worked as a music critic and author, publishing several books on Cuban musical culture.