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Ernesto Lecuona was a world-renowned Cuban composer and virtuoso pianist, celebrated as one of the most significant figures in Latin American music of the 20th century. Born in Guanabacoa, Cuba, Lecuona was a child prodigy, giving his first public concert at age five and composing his first piece at eleven. He studied at the Peyrellade Conservatoire and later at the National Conservatory of Havana. Lecuona achieved international fame through his compositions, performances, and tours, particularly in Europe and the Americas. His extensive output includes hundreds of songs, piano works, zarzuelas, operettas, and film scores. He co-founded the Lecuona Cuban Boys orchestra. Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, he went into exile in the United States and later Spain, where he died. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1942.

• Lecuona lived in exile after the 1959 Cuban Revolution due to his opposition to the Castro regime. The Cuban government refused permission for his remains to be returned to Cuba for many years.
• His iconic piece "Malagueña" (part of the "Suite Andalucía") became a massive international hit, covered by countless artists across genres like pop, jazz, and rock. It remains one of the most recognizable pieces of Cuban music globally.
• Lecuona was a closeted gay man during a time of significant societal prejudice. While details of his personal life remain private, this aspect is acknowledged in some biographies and adds context to his life and relationships.
• He was nominated for an Academy Award (Oscar) in 1942 for the song "Always in My Heart" ("Siempre en mi Corazón") from the film of the same name.
• Lecuona died unexpectedly from an asthma attack while visiting the Canary Islands (then part of Spain) in 1963. His remains were eventually repatriated to Cuba in 1999.