For lovers of trova and Cuban female singers, the lament “Yolanda, eternally Yolanda” could be said to be an anthem for music lovers suffering from the fatal virus of love. The song “Yolanda” was written by Cuban singer-songwriter Pablo Milanés, dedicated to his then-girlfriend. The couple married in 1971, and three daughters were born (Lynn, Haydee, and Sulenn).
According to Yolanda Benet’s own words in numerous interviews, the song was first played one night when Lynn couldn’t sleep, so Pablo took his guitar and played it, but her mother paid no attention at all. Later, when the baby was being breastfed, Yolanda asked Pablo to sing the song again, which, she claimed, paralyzed her, as he knew how to unite in the seemingly simple piece the codes and symbols that united them as a couple.
Yolanda is undoubtedly the most popular song by Cuban-born singer-songwriter Pablo Milanés, whose recent death caused great shock among fans of his music. Although he is no longer physically present, his legacy will live on through his songs.
We were lucky to record this beautiful version of the song by Eric Mendez, in Azul, a restaurant on Peña Pobre in Old Havana.
El Grito 