Villar passed away. He goes beyond his time as the Maestro though

Any human lost is irreparable particularly when we’re talking about a friend and colleague like Manuel Villar, a radio professional, awarded the National Radio Distinction. He died Monday morning at the age of 80.

In spite of his long-time disease, Villar never stopped working and he honored Cuba with one of his best personal assets: music.

A conversation with Manuel Villar would take a particular look at traditional Cuban music itself. How not doing it, since for many people he was like an encyclopedia on this kind of music? That is why you could ask him about just any information; he would always come up with the right answer. 

After having worked at several radio stations for several decades before and after the revolutionary triumph, Villar was able to witness crucial moments of Cuban music history. He shared his knowledge with many people as a contribution to keep the Cuban music heritage alive.

For this reason, Manuel Villar was awarded several distinctions such as the Raul Gomez Garcia and Alejo Carpentier, National Culture Distinctions and the National Radio Award. These merits did not serve to overestimate him, but to recognize his achievements for having done his job so well.

Manue Villar devoted his life to music and radio; that is how the people perceived him. Despite his weakened health, Villar would always stroll the corridors of Radio Rebelde  radio station early in the morning. On Sundays, he used to listen to opinions and requests from his loyal listeners. He also used to rake carefully through amazing songs at the radio station music library, which fell into disuse for most of the people. However Villar was able to use these worn out records properly at Memorias de Rebelde, a show he dedicated to playing old songs and whose script he wrote until his last days.

Manuel Villar has passed away, but he went beyond his time. And for everyone at the Cuban Radio he will always be the Maestro.

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