Listen to this when

Buena Vista Social Club

Album · 1997 · Buena Vista Social Club · World Circuit / Nonesuch; produced by Ry Cooder

Think it's too late? Its oldest star was in his late 80s when this album made them world famous. 🎺

Who it's for

The story behind the record is part of its power: veteran Cuban musicians, including octogenarian singer Compay Segundo, were gathered in Havana in 1996 and recorded the album in a matter of days, and it went on to win a Grammy, sell millions and enter the US.

Hopeless→Uplifted

Feelings it meets

What it is

Buena Vista Social Club is a 1997 album produced by Ry Cooder and released on World Circuit, and on Nonesuch in the US, that brought together veteran Cuban musicians including Compay Segundo, Ibrahim Ferrer, Rubén González, Eliades Ochoa and Omara Portuondo. It was recorded in six days in March 1996 at Havana's EGREM studios and features son cubano, bolero, danzón, guajira and related traditional styles.

Where to find it

Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal; CD/vinyl widely available.

Find it

Before you start

Age: Not verified (suggested all ages)

Better pass boldly into that other world, in the full glory of some passion, than fade and wither dismally with age.James Joyce, Dubliners

Tell 3000 how you feel.

Get your three picks

Free check-ins every day at try3000.app