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A Brief timeline of Cuban Son development

Timeline of Cuban son development

The development of son was advanced by the birth of surrealism and the rise of radio. In addition to the development locally, son was brought to France during 1920s and 1930s in theatrical performances. The European avant-garde movement embraced Afro-Cuban music, which made son to be popular. Cuban performers, such as Tres Hermanos Barreto, Julio Cuevas and Rogelio Barba, played regularly in Paris during the early 1920s.

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In 1929, Sexteto Habanero performed "El Suavecito" in Spain. The lyric praised the beauty of Cuban music. 

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Lyrics in English translation:

Carola, you just love to dance alone

the son from the hills,

And you do it so lusciously. 

Everything fast gets slow and easy

with your lover, and when you dance it

you tell him, all pleasure:

Take your time, make it gentle....

A beauty from Seville was telling her young husband:

honey, that Cuban music drives me wild. 

Easy, easy, take it slow. 

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Po Sim Head @2018

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