Farewell to Manolo del Valle, a voice that honored Cuba’s bolero tradition

Cuban bolero singer Manolo del Valle died Sunday at age 84. His career was closely connected to romantic music and Original de Manzanillo.

He joined the group in 1964 and served as one of its principal voices for 14 years. He later settled in Havana and continued as a solo artist with a repertoire associated with bolero.

Songs linked to his career include “No renunciaré a tu amor,” “Solo mía y basta,” “Este es mi último adiós,” “Ni tu cama ni tu almohada” and “Es mejor vivir así.” He also participated in festivals, toured internationally and performed at Cuban nightclubs.

Born Manuel Batista Salgado on May 7, 1942, in Manzanillo, he began singing at a young age and performed with local groups including the trios Ideal and Los Bohemios before joining Original de Manzanillo.