Willy Chirino

Combining the musical traditions of Cuba with American rock and jazz, Cuba-born and South Florida-based vocalist and bandleader Willy Chirino helped to create the "Miami Sound" of salsa music. The composer of more than 100 songs, Chirino's material has been covered by a lengthy list of artists, "Soy" in particular has been recorded by more than 60 artists including the Gipsy Kings, whose interpretation sold more than four million copies. Chirino also composed and performed the theme songs for Spanish-language television soap operas, La Zulianita and Pobre Diabla. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, both for his music and for his humanitarian efforts.