Los Brito
| Company type | Vocal quartet |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1967 in Havana, Cuba |
| Founder | Alfredo Brito |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Havana , Cuba |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
Los Brito was a Cuban vocal quartet established in 1967 in Havana, Cuba. They rose to prominence as one of the leading Cuban ensembles from the late 1960s until their retirement in the 1980s. The group is recognized for pioneering a blend of traditional Cuban rhythms with international musical influences.
Origins
The idea for Los Brito came from Alfredo Brito, who also served as the group's musical director. His brother, Julio Brito, joined him, and together they crafted the band's repertoire and arrangements while recruiting additional members.
The initial rehearsals took place at the home of Abelardo Busch, initially considered as the fourth member. In 1967, through Mariana de Gonitch, the group connected with Mercy Díaz, who became the lead vocalist after Busch departed. Pedro Humberto Sánchez, known as "El Nene" and formerly part of Los Ayala, completed the original lineup.
The founding members were Mercy Díaz (lead vocals), Alfredo Brito, Julio Brito, and Pedro Sánchez “El Nene”.
Initial Performance
Los Brito made their official debut in mid-1967 on the Cuban television show “Música y estrellas”, directed by Manolo Rifat and hosted by Eva Rodríguez.
Their performance featured "Matías Pérez", composed by Alfredo Brito, telling the tale of Matías Pérez, a balloonist who vanished during a flight. The humorous piece, which likened him to a cosmonaut, quickly resonated with audiences.
Known for its compelling rhythm, “Matías Pérez” became a hallmark song for Los Brito. Subsequently, Yolanda Brito (unrelated) also performed this song in a Cuban TV science fiction production involving a balloon ascent.
In December 1968, as the quartet was gaining momentum, member Pedro Sánchez “El Nene” passed away.
Subsequent Phase
After Pedro’s passing, Los Brito concentrated on developing new material.
In 1969, Abelardo Cordero from Holguín joined the ensemble. Formerly part of “Los Century” and serving in the military at that time, he became a new member.
To refine their performance and repertoire, Los Brito toured Oriente Province, entertaining MINFAR military units during Abelardo’s last two months of service. The audience responses during this tour helped enhance their act and songs.
During this tour, they introduced several new songs: "Para los dos" and "Dame, dame" by Alfredo Brito; "Llueve" by Julio Brito Jr. Their core repertoire included "Matías Pérez" (Alfredo Brito), "Tutankamen" and "Rumbo al jamás" (Julio Brito Jr.), "Lo material" (Juan Formell), and "Quisiera" (Alfredo Brito).
Presence on Radio, Television, and Live Shows
Throughout their 16-year career from 1967 to 1983, Los Brito secured their status as prominent artists with steady exposure across Cuban media platforms including press, radio, and television.
Radio
They regularly appeared on various radio programs and radio stations such as Radio Rebelde, Radio Van Van, Sorpresa, Festival, El Cordón de La Habana, Radio Cadena, and Nocturno (Radio Progreso).
Television
After completing studies at the "Music Development and Programming Center," Los Brito starred in “Recital”, a Cuban TV show directed by Manolo Rifat and hosted by Eva Rodríguez that aired for two decades.
They became familiar figures on Cuban television through popular programs like Buenas Tardes, De repente en TV, Pantalla Mágica, De Viernes a Viernes, and Juntos a Las Nueve.
Additionally, they were active participants in children’s programs including Sábado 37, Variedades Infantiles, and Juguete, performing songs such as El gatico Ferrufin, Carpintero, and El Ratón Barrigón.
Concerts
During their second phase, the ensemble embarked on a two-month tour throughout the Oriente region.
Their performances took place in venues such as sugar mill lodgings and school shelters, supporting the Zafra de los diez millones initiative.
In Havana, they appeared at several renowned nightclubs, including Copa Room at Havana Riviera, Tropicana, Parisién, and Habana Libre.
In 1970, leveraging their widespread acclaim, Los Brito were chosen by popular vote to represent Cuba at the "II Festival Internacional de la Canción Popular Varadero 70". Their entry, "Con un sueño entre las manos," received positive feedback during the event.
The group officially dissolved in 1983.
Cultural legacy
Los Brito secured their position as influential contributors to Cuban music. Their memorable tracks feature titles such as "El Banquito," "Y después se perdió," "Cabellos negros," "Poco a poco," "El 4-5-6," "Cuando llego a mi casa," "El soñador," "Noche de fiesta," and "Quiéreme un poquito." The majority of these were penned by Alfredo and Julio Brito.
They were trailblazers in blending pop elements with traditional Cuban rhythms, shaping the trajectory of Cuban musical styles. In 2016, Cuban vocalist Daymé Arocena interpreted their song “El 4-5-6” on her album “One takes.” Additionally, in 2022, journalist Osvaldo Rojas Garay cited their composition "El soñador" in a piece discussing the Cuban volleyball team.
Discography
Significant recordings by Los Brito encompass:
- Matías Pérez – Alfredo Brito Gamba (ICRT Orchestra)
- Si te nace una flor – Alfredo Brito Gamba (EGREM Records licensed to Sony Music Spain)
- Poco a poco mi compay – Alfredo Brito Gamba (EGREM/Sony Music Spain)
- Tú lo has querido así – Alfredo Brito Gamba (ICRT Orchestra)
- El tiempo feliz – Alfredo Brito Gamba (EGREM/Sony Music Spain)
- Dime que sientes cuando hablas de mí – Alfredo Brito Gamba (EGREM/Sony Music Spain)
- Tema para una noche de bodas – Alfredo Brito Gamba (EGREM/Sony Music Spain)
- Cuando llego a mi casa – Alfredo Brito Gamba (EGREM/Sony Music Spain)
- Quiéreme un poquito – Alfredo Brito Gamba (EGREM Records)
- Un viaje sin retorno ni partida – Alfredo Brito Gamba (EGREM Records)
- Ellos – Alfredo Brito Gamba (EGREM Records)
- El soñador – Julio Brito Gamba (Areito)
- Vas a acordarte de mi – Alfredo and Julio Brito Gamba (EGREM/Sony Music Spain)
- Canción para la que tanto amé – Alfredo Brito Gamba (EGREM/Sony Music Spain)
- El 4-5-6 – Alfredo and Julio Brito Gamba (EGREM/Sony Music Spain)
- Cuando te acuerdes de mí – Julio Brito Ibáñez (ICRT Orchestra)
- Érase una vez – Alfredo Brito Gamba (ICRT Orchestra)
- Con un sueño entre las manos – Alfredo and Julio Brito Gamba (Areito)
- Así quiéreme – Alfredo Brito Gamba (EGREM Records)
- Cabellos Negros – Julio Brito Gamba (EGREM/Sony Music Spain)
- Ven, vamos a caminar – Alfredo Brito Gamba (ICRT Orchestra)
- La larga espera – Julio Brito Gamba (EGREM/Sony Music Spain)
- Y tal vez mañana – Julio Brito Gamba (EGREM/Sony Music Spain)
- Noche de fiesta – Julio Brito Gamba (ICRT Orchestra)
- El banquito – Alfredo and Julio Brito Gamba (Areito)
- El eco de un amor – Julio Brito Gamba (ICRT Orchestra)
Their repertoire also includes children's songs and collaborations with orchestras such as ICRT and Modern Music of Oriente. Numerous works are distributed through EGREM Records with licensing agreements managed by Sony Music Entertainment Spain.