Laserie, Rolando, 1923-1998

The singer Rolando Laserie (1923-1998) from Santa Clara province in Cuba began his musical career as a percussionist with bands in his hometown. Laserie later moved to Havana, where he performed with various musical groups including Benny Moré's Banda Gigante. Known as "El Guapachoso"(the Ebullient One), Laserie recorded many albums and attained great popularity with his unique interpretation of boleros, guarachas, and other musical genres. Among his best known songs are "Sabor a Mi" and "Amalia Batista." He was also famous for the interjection "ide pelicula!" ("out of a movie!").

In 1960, Laserie went into exile with his wife Gisela, living and performing in Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and New York before settling in the 1970s in Miami, Florida, where he died on November 22, 1998.