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Ruben Gonzalez (1919-2003) was a great pianist.

He gave up playing in the late 80’s due to arthritis and didn’t even own a piano in his home. A few years later (1996) he was rediscovered, and recorded a solo album called Introducing…Ruben Gonzales. He later played in the famous Buena Vista Social Club. Such was the rekindling of his enthusiasm that at the start of each day’s recording he would arrive first and literally run to the piano to start playing.

I went to see him perform live with Ibrahim Ferrer and Omara Portuondo. When he appeared on the stage, he was being helped by two guys so he could slowly get to where the piano stood. It was painful to watch…this old guy, who could barely walk, making a huge effort every step he made. He then sat down, and he transformed. Suddenly, all the weight of his age was gone. When he started playing the piano (and keep in mind this guy was suffering of arthritis in his hands), you just couldn’t believe it. Such a clean sound, such youth, such energy in the music. I had to cry. It’s really one of the most inspiring experiences I’ve had in my entire life. He loved music so much, that it owned him everytime he played, and he forgot about the old person he was.