Bola de Nieve

After Montaner returned to Cuba, Villa Fernández remained in Mexico and developed an original performance style as a pianist and singer. He was an elite rather than a popular figure, a sophisticated cabaret stylist known for ironic patter, subtle musical interpretation, with a repertoire that included songs in French, English, Catalan, Portuguese, and Italian. He toured widely in Europe and the Americas, and his friends included Andrés Segovia and Pablo Neruda. He was black and gay, and was self-confident in his personality, and accepted for what he was: a memorable talent. He died in Mexico City during a musical visit. He was the subject of a 2003 documentary which included interviews with fellow musicians, friends, relatives, and experts.

• Name — Bola de Nieve • Landscape — yes • Birth Name — Ignacio Jacinto Villa Fernández • Born — 11 September 1911 • Birthplace — Guanabacoa, La Habana, Cuba • Died — 2 October 1971 • Place of death — Ciudad de México, Mexico • Instrument — Piano • Genre — Canción, bolero, habanera, son cubano • Occupation — Singer, musician, composer • Label — Orfeón, Discmedi, RCA Victor Mexicana, Montilla, Sonotone, Kubaney, Modiner, Areito • Past Member Of — Orquesta CMQ

Fernández is one of the most influential figures of Afro-Cuban jazz. He often synthesized elements of European and North American musical traditions with Latin elements, which gave his music a sound distinct from his contemporaries. His music is often deeply emotional, going as far as to openly sob his lyrics.

• Melodies of America (1941)

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