La Sonora Matancera is a historic Cuban ensemble that played a primary role in the development and popularization of Latin American urban dance music. Founded in 1924, the group was led for over fifty years by guitarist, vocalist, composer, and producer Rogelio MartÃnez. Characterized by a trumpet- and percussion-heavy sound accompanied by prominent backing vocals, the band recorded more than 4,000 songs throughout its extensive history, employing hundreds of musicians over the decades.
The band is particularly famous for its roster of legendary lead vocalists. Notable singers who performed and recorded with La Sonora Matancera include Myrta Silva, who served as lead singer from 1949 to 1950, and Celia Cruz, who succeeded her in 1950 and remained with the group until 1965. Other highly regarded vocalists associated with the ensemble include Bienvenido Granda, Daniel Santos, Miguelito Valdés, Leo Marini, Nelson Pinedo, Vicentico Valdés, Estanislao 'LaÃto' Sureda, Alberto Beltrán, Carlos Argentino, and Celio González.
The group's extensive musical catalog continues to be represented by releases such as the single 'El Tumbaito' in 2019, the release '100 Años De Legado' in 2026, and the single 'Bochinche en La HABANA'.
