Elena Burke

• Genre: Cuban
• Hometown: Havana

About

A revered and popular singer of romantic ballads, Cuban singer Elena Burke was already famous in the '50s when she performed with the all women's group, Cuarteto D'Aida. By the time of the Cuban revolution she was a top solo artist performing in elegant cabarets in Havana. Her voice seemed to become stronger with age, as her subtle yet sophisticated technique graced every song she sang with an emotional weight. Over the years she has performed with top Cuban dance bands such as Orquesta Aragon and with highly acclaimed singer-songwriters, including Pablo Milanes. She certainly could "take a sad song and make it better," piercing the emotional veil of her audience with an almost palpable sincerity. Though she mostly interpreted classic Cuban boleros and Son, her versions were distinct, supported by top-notch musicians and arrangements.

- Robert Leaver