Music has always been a cornerstone of the Alvarez family legacy. Angela Alvarez, now 95 years old, began composing music at just 14 while growing up in Cuba during the 1930s. Although she did not pursue a professional music career, her passion for songwriting never faded.
Her grandson, Carlos José Alvarez, a composer based in Los Angeles, carried on this musical heritage. Carlos José, deeply influenced by his grandmother’s music, decided to honor her legacy by recording an album of her songs. His efforts led to an unexpected and historic achievement: Angela Alvarez won the Latin Grammy Award for ‘Best New Artist,’ becoming the oldest recipient of the award in history.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Carlos José shared that he was inspired to bring a microphone to his grandmother’s home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to record her “angelic and soulful” voice. Through this process, he discovered new dimensions of his Nana’s life that he hadn’t known before.
Angela Alvarez had penned over 50 songs throughout her life, each reflecting significant events and personal trials, such as the loss of her husband and daughter to cancer and helping her children escape from Cuba amid Fidel Castro’s rise to power.
“I didn’t realize these songs were like a diary of her life. It all made sense,” Carlos José said. “You can hear the life she has lived in her singing.”
Despite her profound love for music, Alvarez was prohibited by her father from pursuing a professional career, and she sang only for her family. This changed when Carlos José decided not just to record, but also to produce and release a 15-track album titled “Angela Alvarez.” The project, supported by Carlos José’s friends including Cuban American actor Andy Garcia, culminated in a documentary called “Miss Angela,” which highlighted Alvarez’s life and music.
At 91, Alvarez performed her first public concert at the Avalon in Los Angeles, where she received a heartfelt introduction from Garcia, who praised her as a representative of a significant generation of Cubans.
The journey continued with Alvarez’s nomination for a Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist, demonstrating that it’s never too late to realize a dream. Carlos José hopes that his project will inspire others to connect with their elders and explore their untold stories.
This story is a testament to the enduring power of passion and the profound impact of familial love. Angela Alvarez finally received her long-awaited recognition, and Carlos José’s dedication played a pivotal role in making it happen.