Regla Teresa García Rodríguez, fondly known as Teté Caturla, was a remarkable Cuban singer with a rich musical legacy. She was best known for her leadership of the vocal group Cuarteto d’Aida, and her contributions to the world of Cuban music are celebrated to this day.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Teté Caturla was born on October 13, 1937, in Remedios, a charming town nestled in the heart of Villa Clara Province, Cuba. Her family tree was deeply intertwined with the world of music, as she was the daughter of Alejandro García Caturla, a prominent Cuban composer who made a significant impact during the 1920s and 1930s.
A Rising Star
As a young woman, Teté Caturla embarked on her musical journey by making her debut with the renowned Orquesta Anacaona. It was a stepping stone that set her on a path to stardom in the Cuban music scene. In 1963, she joined the all-female vocal group, Cuarteto d’Aida, an ensemble founded by Aida Diestro. This quartet would become synonymous with Caturla’s career.
Leading Cuarteto d’Aida
After the passing of Aida Diestro in 1973, Teté Caturla took the reins of Cuarteto d’Aida. Under her leadership, the group embarked on numerous international tours, sharing the soulful sounds of Cuban music with audiences around the world. Their journeys took them to places like Panamá (1978), Grenada (1979), México (1983), Spain (1984), Angola (1986), and Finland (1987). In more recent years, Teté and her quartet continued to captivate audiences in Argentina, France, Japan, Greece, and the United States.
Beyond Cuarteto d’Aida
While Cuarteto d’Aida played a significant role in her career, Teté Caturla’s passion for music extended beyond the quartet. After retiring from the group, she formed a new ensemble called Rumba Tere. This group provided a platform for young musicians who had recently graduated from music schools, allowing them to carry forward the Cuban musical traditions she held dear.
Llegó Teté: A Musical Triumph
In 2003, Teté Caturla released the CD titled “Llegó Teté” under the label Bis Music. This album achieved remarkable success, showcasing her enduring talent and the timeless appeal of Cuban music. It served as a testament to her lasting influence on the Cuban music scene.
A Global Presence
Teté Caturla’s musical prowess transcended borders. In 2015, she made a cameo appearance as a contributing singer in the video “Chan Chan – Song Around the World” by the Playing for Change movement. In the video, she can be seen performing on a balcony in her hometown of Havana, Cuba, further solidifying her status as a global musical icon.
Teté Caturla’s life and career were a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and touch the hearts of people worldwide. Her legacy as a Cuban music luminary continues to inspire generations of musicians and music enthusiasts, ensuring that her melodious voice will forever echo through the annals of Cuban musical history.
