Mayra Caridad Valdés, a prominent Cuban singer, also known as the Queen of Cuban Latin Jazz or The Goddess of the Sea, was born on April 20, 1956, the daughter of Bebo Valdés and sister of maestro Chucho Valdés. She grew up in a musical environment. Her mother, Pilar Rodríguez, had been part of the duo Las Hermanas González, and she also listened to the music of great jazz artists such as Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Billie Holiday. Chucho held jam sessions and rehearsed with his jazz trio.

At the age of seven, she began studying piano. In 1973, she studied choral conducting at the National School of Art Instructors, where she was a student of María Felicia. At this institution, when she was 17, she was a singer in a musical group. She completed her bachelor’s degree in choral conducting from the School of the Arts when she was 21.

Inspired by her mother, she decided to become a jazz vocalist and pursue a solo career, so at just 23 years old, she appeared on the television show “Everyone Sings,” where she won third place.

Mayra Caridad Valdés is a contralto with a range from soprano to mezzo. She has a wide, brilliant register with even color. She performs jazzy songs with rubateo and the obligatory improvisations. She has a broad repertoire, including songs such as Obatalá, Yemayá, and Canto a Dios and Alma mía by Benny Moré.

In 1980, she appeared as a guest at a Harry Belafonte concert at the Karl Marx Theater (1010 1st Ave., Miramar, Playa, Havana). The following year, she began a three-month tour of Japan. Along with Irakere, she participated in the Tierrazo Jazz Festival, held at the Puerto Rico Fine Arts Center.

During this period, she shared the stage with significant international musical figures such as Mongo Santamaría, Tata Guines, Dizzy Gillespie, and Tito Puente. In 1983, she competed in the Dresden International Song Festival. She performed at the Varadero Song Festival. She was also a music researcher at the Popular Music Seminar.

She performed in Paris for six months in the early 1990s, and sang with Tropicana on international tours. In 1994, she became a permanent member of Irakere. In 1998, she sang a version of the Santería prayer Yemayá as the title track for the Irakere Blue Note release.

In 2001, she decided to record her first solo album, titled La Diosa Del Amor (The Goddess of Love). It showcases her soulful voice in a variety of musical genres, from bebop to boleros. On it, she performs pieces such as Bounce Billie, Como Fué, Drume Negrita, Mambo “Influenciado” by Chucho, and others.

In 2007, Mayra performed at the Varadero Jam Session Festival.

Throughout her professional career, she has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, interpreting a repertoire from a bygone era. Mayra Caridad Valdés is among the Cuban female musicians heard at prestigious Latin Jazz festivals and international events related to the genre.

Mayra Caridad Valdés, for her vast artistic career, is recognized as the Queen of Cuban Latin jazz.