Book Willy Chirino for Your Event
About Willy Chirino
Willy Chirino was born on April 5, 1947 in Consolación del Sur, Pinar del Río, Cuba. Following the communist revolution, he came to the United States in 1960 as part of Operation Peter Pan and settled in Miami, where he would spend his life building one of the most celebrated careers in Latin music. He released his first album in 1974 and has since recorded over 20 albums, several of which achieved platinum and gold status.
A singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer, Chirino helped shape what became known as the “Miami sound” of salsa — blending the musical traditions of Cuba with American rock and jazz influences. He has composed more than 100 songs, and his music has been covered by a long list of artists including Celia Cruz, Oscar D’León, Rocío Jurado, and Ricardo Montaner. His song “Soy” has been recorded by over 60 artists, including the Gipsy Kings, whose version sold more than four million copies worldwide. His iconic “Nuestro Día” (1991) became an anthem for the Cuban diaspora. In 2006, his album Son del Alma won a Grammy Award for Best Salsa/Merengue Album, and in 2014 he received a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Career Highlights
Willy Chirino is celebrating 40 years in the music business.
In fact, he is recognized throughout the world as the creator of the Miami Sound, a unique fusion of Cuban music, rock, jazz, Brazilian and Caribbean rhythms.
In 2006, he won a GRAMMY® Award for Best Salsa/Merengue Album for Son del Alma.
The following year, he was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY® for Best Salsa Album for 35 Aniversario – En Vivo.
Awards and Global Recognition
He has released more than 30 albums and is the composer of over one hundred songs, recorded by over sixty artists including Celia Cruz, Raphael, Gipsy Kings, Lissette, Dyango, David Bisbal and Oscar D’Leon.
His catalog has earned Platinum records for Oxígeno (1991) and Acuarelas del Caribe (1990), plus Gold Records for Zarabanda (1985), South Beach (1993), Asere (1995), and Afro-disiac (2000).
In addition, he has worked as a producer on albums for Rocío Jurado, Raphael, Oscar D’Leon, Celia Cruz, Magneto, and dozens of other international artists.
Early Life
Chirino was born in Consolación del Sur, a small town in western Cuba, in the province of Pinar del Río.
As a child, he began his love for art as a portrait artist, winning various awards in fine arts.
He holds the honor of having two streets named after him, one in Miami-Dade and the other in Hialeah, Florida. He has also received honorary keys to various international cities where he has performed. In 2003, he received an Honorary Doctorate Honoris Causa degree from St. Thomas University.
In 2009, he launched a worldwide tour to promote his album Pa’lante which included the mega-hits Los Campeones de la Salsa, and the title song. As a result, the tour took him to Europe, Central and South America, and most major cities in the United States, culminating in a sold-out concert at the American Airlines Arena in his hometown, Miami.
He was among the handful of international stars to record the Hispanic rendition of We Are the World to raise funds for the earthquake victims in Haiti in 2010.
Personal Life
Outside of music, he has been married to international recording artist Lissette for over thirty years and has five children: Angie, Olga María, Jessica, Nicolle, Alana and Gianfranco.
He sums up his philosophy simply: “If there is something an artist should not do is stop dreaming.”
Book Willy Chirino for your corporate event, appearance, speaking engagement, private party, public concert, fundraiser, or endorsement. Submit a Booking Request Form and an agent will reply within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Willy Chirino perform?
Willy Chirino is available for performances worldwide. Willy Chirino travels throughout the United States and internationally for the right event.
What types of events does Willy Chirino perform at?
Willy Chirino performs at all types of events including corporate events, weddings, private parties, music festivals, nightclubs, galas, and cultural celebrations.
How long is a Willy Chirino performance?
A standard Willy Chirino performance runs approximately 60 minutes. Set length can be adjusted based on your event schedule and production needs.
How far in advance should I book Willy Chirino?
We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance. For major events, festivals, and galas, earlier is always better — their calendar fills quickly.
How do I get pricing for Willy Chirino?
Pricing varies based on event type, location, and production requirements. Contact AER Management for availability and a custom quote.
Where is Willy Chirino from?
Willy Chirino was born on April 5, 1947, in Consolación del Sur, Pinar del Río, Cuba, and came to the United States in 1960 as part of Operation Peter Pan.
What is Willy Chirino known for?
Willy Chirino is known as the creator of the "Miami Sound," a fusion of Cuban music with rock and jazz influences, and has won a Grammy and a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Is Willy Chirino still performing?
Yes. Willy Chirino continues to perform and is represented by AER Management for bookings.
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