Biography
Alfredo De La Fé, born on February 6, 1954 in Havana, Cuba, is a pioneering violinist renowned for transforming the violin into a central instrument in salsa and Latin jazz. A child prodigy, he began studying violin at the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory in Havana at age six and, by eight, had earned a scholarship to the Warsaw Conservatory in Poland. His early classical training included performances with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, and further studies at the Juilliard School of Music in New York[1][2][3].
De La Fé's professional career began at age twelve when he shifted from classical music to salsa, joining the orchestra of charanga legend Jose Fajardo. He quickly became the first solo violinist to perform with a salsa orchestra, breaking new ground for the instrument in Latin music. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he collaborated with leading figures such as Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Santana, and the Fania All Stars, and released his own acclaimed albums, including the Grammy-nominated 'Alfredo' (1979). His innovative style blends Cuban, jazz, classical, rock, Caribbean, funk, and pop influences, making him a versatile and influential figure in tropical music[1][2][3].
After relocating to Colombia in 1983, De La Fé further expanded his reach, recording several albums and helping to popularize salsa and vallenato in South America. He has appeared on more than a hundred albums, toured the world over thirty times, and continues to perform and record, maintaining his legacy as a virtuoso and ambassador of Latin violin[1][2][3].
Fun Facts
- Alfredo De La Fé was the first solo violinist to perform with a salsa orchestra, revolutionizing the role of the violin in Latin music[1][2].
- He has participated in over one hundred albums and toured the world more than thirty times[1][2].
- His second solo album, 'Alfredo' (1979), was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Latin Album[1][2].
- De La Fé performed classical works by Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra at Carnegie Hall at age eleven[1][2].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Alfredo De La Fé Sr. - His father, an opera tenor, recognized and nurtured his musical talent from a young age. (Early musical guidance and exposure to Cuban radio artists) [1954-1962]
- Jose Fajardo - Charanga legend who invited De La Fé to join his orchestra, introducing him to salsa and Latin music. (Performances with Fajardo's Orchestra) [circa 1966]
Key Collaborators
- Eddie Palmieri - Joined Palmieri's Orchestra and later reunited for tours; Palmieri was a major influence on his salsa career. (Performances and recordings with Palmieri's Orchestra) [1972, 1999]
- Tito Puente - Musical director of Puente's Latin Percussion Jazz Ensemble. (Latin Percussion Jazz Ensemble projects) [1981]
- Celia Cruz - Performed and recorded together; Cruz was a frequent collaborator. (Various salsa recordings and concerts) [1970s-1980s]
- Santana - Joined Santana's band during a brief period in San Francisco. (Live performances) [early 1970s]
- Fania All Stars - Member of the legendary salsa collective. (Recordings and tours with Fania All Stars) [from 1995]
- Tipica 73 - Member of the influential salsa group. (Performances and recordings) [1977]
Artists Influenced
- Latin violinists in salsa and tropical music - Inspired generations by establishing the violin as a lead instrument in salsa and Latin jazz. (Numerous recordings and live performances) [1970s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| La Salsa Mundial de Alfredo de la Fe | 2012-12-19 | Album |
| Música para Despertar los Sentidos (Violines de Cuba) | 2014-04-10 | Album |
| La Llave de la Salsa | 2006-05-06 | Album |
| Lo Mejor de Alfredo de la Fe | 2012-10-12 | Album |
| Triunfo | 1982-06-01 | Album |
| La Salsa Mundial de Alfredo de la Fe | 2012-12-19 | Album |
| 16 Grandes Sucesos de Cuba | 2015-07-01 | Album |
| Legado | 2022-08-26 | Album |
| Lo Mejor De | 2015-07-01 | Album |
| Salsa Passion | 2015-07-01 | Album |
| Música para Despertar los Sentidos - Violines de Cuba | 2015-07-01 | Album |
| Alfredo | 1979-06-05 | Album |
| Alfredo | 2025-02-21 | Album |
| Música para Despertar los Sentidos (Violines de Cuba) | 2014-04-10 | Album |
| Historia de la Salsa en el Siglo XX (Vol. 1) | 2016-10-03 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Preso (Preso de Tu Amor) (La Salsa Mundial de Alfredo de la Fe)
- Preso (De Tú Amor)
- Somos los Reyes del Mundo (Triunfo)
- Excelente Amante (Lo Mejor de Alfredo de la Fe)
- Anhelos (La Llave de la Salsa)
- Ritmo Sabroso (La Llave de la Salsa)
- Preso (Preso de Tu Amor) (La Salsa Mundial de Alfredo de la Fe)
- Son de la Loma (La Salsa Mundial de Alfredo de la Fe)
- Guantanamera (La Salsa Mundial de Alfredo de la Fe)
- Bonito y Sabroso (La Salsa Mundial de Alfredo de la Fe)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Alfredo De La Fe has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 8, 2025 | 13:35 | Somos los Reyes del Mundofrom Sar Grandes Exitos | Tiene Sabor (Latin Show)w/ Yolanda Estrada |