Alfaro was born inHavana. She was a musical child, and won a contest for young singers sponsored by Radio Suaritos; she regularly appeared on Radio Suaritos broadcasts, which led to further opportunities. Her sister Olympia Alfaro was also known a singer.[3]
Alfaro was a star of the Cuban music scene of the 1950s.[4] She was in the original cast ofBatamú (1951), a musical revue byObdulio Morales. She became famous as a singer ofbolero music, with a clear, strong soprano voice well suited to the genre.[5] She was known as "El Ruiseñor de la Cancion" (The Nightingale of Music) and as "La Alondra de la Cancion" (The Lark of Music).[5][6]
Alfaro's film appearances included a vocal performance alongside theKatherine Dunham dancers inMambo (1954),[7][8] and a role inOlé…Cuba! (1957), which also featured fellowAfro-Cuban singerCelia Cruz.[9] She made more than two dozen recordings forRCA Records and other labels.[10]
"I'm a very spiritual person," she explained in a 2007 interview. "I try to transmit to my audience when I sing. God gave me a gift. And when God gives you something, you use it."[10]
