Biography
Pío Leyva was a Cuban singer, songwriter and composer of traditional music. Born Wilfredo Leyva Pascual on 5 May 1917 in Morón, Cuba, he began performing in the 1930s and signed with RCA Victor in 1950, recording more than twenty-five albums. He worked with artists including Benny Moré, Bebo Valdés and Compay Segundo, and was known for his baritone voice and improvisational style in son montuno and guaracha.
Leyva joined the Buena Vista Social Club project in the late 1990s and appeared as himself in the 1999 documentary film Buena Vista Social Club directed by Wim Wenders. He also featured in the 2004 film Música cubana. He toured internationally with related ensembles and performed at venues including Carnegie Hall.
He died on 22 March 2006 in Havana, aged 88.
