ELIADES Ochoa, renowned for his connection with the Buena Vista Social Club, is considered one of the most important Cuban soneros of all time.

Born in Songo La Maya, Cuba, Ochoa learned to play the guitar and tres at a young age, performing a range of traditional Cuban music styles such as Sones, Guarachas, Guajiras and Boleros.

His professional career started in the 1960s, with Oriental Quintet, and later on he joined Típico Septet.

During his lengthy career, Ochoa has worked with many musicians and bands and has toured extensively. In 1978 he became the leader of Cuban folk band, Cuarteto Patria.

In 1986, he recorded with the luminary Cuban singer Francisco Repilado, well known as Compay Segundo, performing in Washington, Guadalupe and Dominican Republic.

Ochoa became an international figure as part of the acclaimed Buena Vista Social Club, an ensemble of vastly experienced Cuban musicians. The group recorded the hit album Buena Vista Social Club in 1997, which sold more than 1.5 million copies. The album also won a Grammy Award.

Easily identifiable in his trademark cowboy hat, Ochoa has toured some 40 countries and recorded numerous albums.