b. 4 September 1928, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, d. 22 August 2002, Havana, Cuba. Singing from an early age, Alvarez performed with several popular bands in his home-town, including those led by Reinaldo Dambay, Pancho Portuondo and Mariano Mercerón; in the latter band he shared vocal duties with Pacho Alonso and Beny Moré. In the early 50s he was with Moré's band in Havana and also worked with Roberto Espi's Conjunto Casino. Alvarez's popularity increased and he was signed by Gema Records and enjoyed considerable success with Ernesto Duarte's "Ven Aquí A La Realidad", a recording...