This one-hour special celebrates one of the most fundamental elements of Cuban culture - its music - and pays homage to the men and women who influenced its infectious sounds and irresistible rhythms.

Take a fascinating look at the “Golden Age” of Cuban music of the ‘40s and ‘50s through one-on-one interviews with living legends Israel López “Cachao,” Generoso Jiménez, Bebo Váldez, Olga Guillot, Olga Chorens, and others, who are a vanishing breed. These beloved musicians provide a link to an important story from Cuba ’s past – a story that may otherwise be lost forever.

Interviews, anecdotes and archival images, underscored by the sensuous cadence of Cuban music, depict a pivotal era in music’s history. These artists’ accomplishments paved the way for contemporary performers Emilio Estefan, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval and Willy Chirino, all interviewed on-camera.

Personal accounts reveal what it was like traveling from small town to small town – riding buses or “carretones” – and doing everything, from performing at a local radio station to marching alongside a street procession. “Ritmo” (rhythm) refers to the music, but also to the pulsating energy coursing through cities and tiny towns alike when Cuba was a country filled with music and laughter.

For many, three greats - singers Celia Cruz and Beny More, and composer Ernesto Lecuona - define Cuban music. Musical legends Olga Guillot and Generoso Jiménez offer insight into the lives of these amazing artists and former colleagues.

WPBT producer Oscar Lopez traveled to New York to capture some Cuban musicians of the time, including Candido Camero, Las Hermanas Marquez, Graciela Perez-Grillo and Carlos “Patato” Valdez . He also met Latin music icon Johnny Pacheco, who set Cuban music on fire in New York during the ‘70s with the Fania Allstars featuring Celia Cruz. “One thing I’ve found inspiring about this project is how music helps keep these musicians feeling young,” said Lopez. “Percussionist Candido Camero commented that although he’s 85 years old, when he plays the congas he feels 20 again. I truly believe that.”

The inclusion of so many notable personalities provides a rich portrait of day-to-day Cuban life at a time when it sparkled with vibrant color, unforgettable sounds and captivating rhythms. With the success of other music documentaries such as BEBO AND CIGALA, LA CUBA MIA and BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, and the resurgence of musicians Cachao, Bebo Váldez, Las Hermanas Márquez and more, there is growing interest in the music and virtuosity of the men and women who pioneered and popularized this swelling art form.

Oscar Lopez , Producer & Director
Born in Santa Clara , Cuba , Oscar J. López, producer and director of LEYENDAS: THE LEGENDS OF CUBAN MUSIC, came to United States in 1971. A resident of Miami for more than 35 years, Oscar graduated from the International Fine Arts College and joined WPBT Channel 2 in 1996.  Other successful Channel 2 projects produced and directed by Lopez include LA COCINA CUBANA: SECRETOS DE MI ABUELA and TRADICIÓN: A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION.  In addition, Oscar has also produced various segments for NEW FLORIDA, WPBT’s weekly magazine series, for which he received two Suncoast Regional Emmys. 

WPBT Channel 2
WPBT has been inspiring viewers for over five decades and maintains a commitment to serving its diverse South Florida community. Through the years, originally-produced documentaries and performance specials have honored Hispanic culture with entertaining and relevant programs. Many of these have gone on to become award-winning productions and distributed both locally and nationally. WPBT productions include: ¿Qué Pasa, USA?; Havana: Portrait Of Yesteryear; Café Con Leche II; The Flight Of Pedro Pan; Nuestra Risa; José Martí; Legacy Of Freedom; Tradición: A Holiday Celebration; La Cocina Cubana: Secretos De Mi Abuela; and Mi Colombia.