Spanish
Cheo Zorrilla, whose full name is Eliseo Zorrilla Gómez, is a renowned Dominican composer, trumpet player, and singer. Born on February 17, 1950, in Tamayo, Bahoruco province, he has been the author of great hits of the Latin American romantic repertoire.
Beginnings and musical training
From an early age, he showed a great interest in music. At the age of 13, he was a trumpet player in his town's local band. Later, he moved to Santo Domingo, where he developed his formal musical training and took the first steps of his artistic career.
Artistic career of Cheo Zorrilla
Cheo Zorrilla is considered one of the composers Dominicans most recorded by international artists. Some of his best-known songs are:
- “Apocalypse”
- “When each January is born”
- “With broken wings”
- “Men of rage cry”
- “My skin dried up”
- “Such a lover”
- “But you arrived”
- “In me, there is no more love”
- “My beloved Cyrene”
His song “Al nacer cada enero” obtained second place in the OTI Festival of 1977, performed by Fernando Casado. In 1981, he won first place in the National Song Festival with “Sembrador”. In 1983, he shone again at the OTI with “Olvidar, olvidar”, performed by Taty Salas.
Acknowledgements
Cheo Zorrilla has been widely awarded for his career. In 2016, he was immortalized in the Latin Composers Hall of Fame in Miami, becoming the first Dominican to achieve it.
Academic life and self-improvement
At 60 years old, Cheo Zorrilla completed university studies with honors and obtained two master's degrees, demonstrating his passion for knowledge and his persevering spirit.
Musical Legacy
Cheo Zorrilla's work has transcended generations. His compositions are part of the Latin American romantic songbook and have been interpreted by great voices. He is considered a key figure in contemporary Dominican music.
