Chapter 72
AI, MASTER JAIME LLANO GONZALEZ
Known mainly for his virtuosity on the organ and his contribution to traditional Colombian music. He was born on June 5, 1932 in Titiribí, Antioquia, and died on November 7, 2017 in Bogotá. His artistic career spans several decades, during which he established himself as one of the most admired and recognized promoters of Colombian music and with many gifts for tango.
From a very early age he showed great talent for music; he began studying piano at the age of 12 and then moved to Medellín, where he continued his musical training. Later, he relocated to Bogotá to perfect his technique and expand his musical knowledge by studying various instruments and specializing in the organ, becoming a widely recognized reference for his work on Colombian radio and television, where he popularized the country's traditional music.
He worked for radio stations such as Caracol Radio and RCN, and his presence on television helped spread genres such as pasillo, bambuco, cumbia and porro, among others. His performing style was characterized by a combination of refined technique and a deep musical sensitivity, which allowed him to connect with a wide audience.
He recorded more than 600 albums throughout his career, many of which are considered classics of Colombian music. His album "Jaime Llano González en el cuerpo" (Jaime Llano González on the Organ), released in 1961, is one of his most notable and marked the beginning of a series of recordings that established him as a central figure in the music of his country.
He was a mentor and guide to many young musicians, whom he inspired and taught by his example and knowledge. His influence can be seen in subsequent generations of Colombian musicians who continue to perform and value the country's traditional music.
His legacy goes beyond his recordings and performances; a true ambassador of Colombian music, bringing his traditional sounds to international audiences. His dedication to the preservation and dissemination of folk music has been essential in keeping the country's musical tradition alive.
Jaime Llano González was a master of the organ whose work left an indelible mark on Colombian music. His virtuosity, dedication and passion for folklore make him a fundamental figure in understanding and appreciating the musical wealth of Colombia.
Throughout his career, Llano González received numerous awards and distinctions, both in Colombia and abroad. He was honored with several recognitions for his contribution to culture, including the Cruz de Boyacá, one of the highest distinctions awarded by the Colombian government. His virtuosity, dedication and passion for folklore make him a fundamental figure in understanding and appreciating the musical wealth of Colombia.
The most famous artists he worked with include collaborations that not only highlighted Jaime Llano González's skill as a musician, but also contributed to the richness and diversity, helping to preserve and promote the country's musical heritage.
Lucho Bermúdez : One of Colombia's most important musicians, known for his work in tropical music and for his contributions to cumbia and porro. Llano González worked alongside him, contributing his talent on the organ.
Carlos Julio Ramírez – a Colombian baritone who excelled in both opera and popular music. Llano González accompanied Ramírez in several presentations and recordings.
Leonor González Mina : "La Negra Grande de Colombia" (The Great Black Woman of Colombia), is a singer and actress who has been noted for her work in Colombian folk music. Llano González collaborated with her on several projects. Born in 1934 in the department of Cauca, she is famous for her powerful voice and her interpretation of Colombian folk and popular music. She has been a cultural ambassador for Colombia, promoting traditional rhythms such as currulao, bunde and mapalé.
Matilde Díaz : prominent singer of tropical music and boleros, who was also the wife of Lucho Bermúdez. Llano González worked with her on several occasions.
Julio Jaramillo : Although he is best known in Ecuador, his music had a great impact throughout Latin America, and Llano González had the opportunity to accompany him on some occasions.
Helenita Vargas : known as "La Ronca de Oro", was a singer famous for her interpretation of rancheras and popular music, whom she accompanied on several occasions, contributing her unmistakable style to the organ.
Garzón y Collazos : a duo made up of Darío Garzón and Eduardo Collazos; one of the most important in the history of Colombian Andean music. Llano González collaborated with them, contributing to the preservation and diffusion of this musical genre.
Emeterio and Felipe : iconic duo of traditional Colombian music, known for their interpretations of bambucos and corridors. Llano González accompanied their presentations, adding his special touch to the organ.
Claudia from Colombia : known for her romantic ballads and popular music, also had the opportunity to be accompanied by the maestro, who contributed his talent on the organ in some of her performances.
Carmiña Gallo :
a Colombian soprano well known for her impressive voice and her contribution to classical and lyrical music in Colombia. She participated in numerous opera and zarzuela productions, and her talent led her to
Gerardo Arellano: In general, refers to the inhabitants of the Eastern Plains of Colombia and Venezuela; a region known for its cattle culture and folkloric traditions. In the context of music and culture, the llaneros are known for llanera music, which includes the harp, the cuatro, and the maracas, as well as canto recio. Characters such as Alfredo Gutiérrez can be examples of llanero singers who have left a mark on Colombian music.
