Pio Leiva

Pќo Leyva (May 5, 1917 March 22, 2006), born Wilfredo Pascual, was a Cuban singer and the author of the well-known guaracha El Mentiroso ("The Liar"). Leyva was part of the Buena Vista Social Club, and composed some of Cubas best known standards.
Leyva was born in MorЈn, Cuba in 1917. He won a bongo contest at the age of six and made his singing debut in 1932. He recorded over 25 albums since he signed his first contract with RCA Victor in 1950. Leyva sang with other Cuban artists such as Benny Mor™, Bebo Vald™s and Noro Morales and was a member of Estrellas de Areito and "Compay Segundo y Sus Muchachos."
Fellow musician Barbarito Torres said of Leyva: "Pio has always been a famous singer in Cuba. I've always admired him, not just for his talent, but because of his great personality. He's the inspiration."
Leyva took part in the 2004 film MЄsica Cubana, which was marketed as a sequel to Buena Vista Social Club.

Leyva died of a heart attack, in March 2006.

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