Singer, Composer, Commentator and Producer. She was affectionately known as "La Reina de la Guaracha," and "La Gordita de Oro." She first sang in public at age 10 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. After moving with her family to New York City in the 1930s, she performed in musical productions in local Hispanic theatres and radio stations. Soon after, Silva was recording for RCA Victor. In 1939 Silva joined the band Grupo Victoria. In 1940 she recorded with Moncho Usera and Armando Castro, but was better known for her performances as a club singer at the famous Escambrón Beach Club. She also composed such hits ballads such as "Qué sabes tú," "Cuando vuelvas," "Fácil de recordar" and "En mi soledad," and her famous "Chencha, la Gambá" that brought her international recognoition. In 1956, Silva started working in television in programs such as "Una Hora Contigo" and in 1967, "Radio TV Mirror" which was honored as the best variety show in New York. She composed a number of songs in the early 1960s, considered among her finest during that time, including "Puerto Rico del alma," "Qué sabes tú," "Tengo que acostumbrarme," "Fin de un amor," "Aunque se oponga el mundo" and "Yo quiero volverme a enamorar," and others. During the 1970s she compopsed "No te vayas de mi vida" and "Sabes una cosa cariño."
Singer, Composer, Commentator and Producer. She was affectionately known as "La Reina de la Guaracha," and "La Gordita de Oro." She first sang in public at age 10 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. After moving with her family to New York City in the 1930s, she performed in musical productions in local Hispanic theatres and radio stations. Soon after, Silva was recording for RCA Victor. In 1939 Silva joined the band Grupo Victoria. In 1940 she recorded with Moncho Usera and Armando Castro, but was better known for her performances as a club singer at the famous Escambrón Beach Club. She also composed such hits ballads such as "Qué sabes tú," "Cuando vuelvas," "Fácil de recordar" and "En mi soledad," and her famous "Chencha, la Gambá" that brought her international recognoition. In 1956, Silva started working in television in programs such as "Una Hora Contigo" and in 1967, "Radio TV Mirror" which was honored as the best variety show in New York. She composed a number of songs in the early 1960s, considered among her finest during that time, including "Puerto Rico del alma," "Qué sabes tú," "Tengo que acostumbrarme," "Fin de un amor," "Aunque se oponga el mundo" and "Yo quiero volverme a enamorar," and others. During the 1970s she compopsed "No te vayas de mi vida" and "Sabes una cosa cariño."
Bio by: Jose Ruiz-Alvarez
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