It is not dificult to understand why being the daughter of Ignacio Cervantes, considered by many the most outstanding Cuban interpreter of the 19th century, had a passion for music since a child.

She, being a well known pianist, singer and composer, began to play the piano at a very young age despite not reaching the keys due to her size.

 
But when she listened to something that caught her attention Maria would run to the piano and play.

 
Born in Havana on November 30th, 1885, at a very early age she felt like an artist.

She loved dancing. Her father began teaching her at the age of three the steps to danza, danzon and others.

 
Her professional debut was at the Campoamor Theater in 1929, year in which she also recorded her first records in the US for Columbia Records.

 
She also acted in the RCH Cadena Azul, in the Cuban Telephone Company, in Radio Salas and in the Sevilla Hotel where she performed alongside pianist Felo Bergaza.
 

In the Mil Diez radio station she worked with the composers and directors of the orchestras Adolfo Guzman and Enrique Gonzalez Mantici.

Maria traveled once again to the US, where she recorded for Columbia and acted in the cabaret of the famous Argentinean actor and singer Jose Bohr.

 
After returning to Havana, her name appeared in the programs of the most important centers alongside figures like Rita Montaner and Ignacio Villa (Bola de Nieve).

 
For years, her personal charm, authentic Cuban and that special charisma to interpret her songs, Maria obtained the admiration and love of the public.

Her interpretation of “A los frijoles, Caballeros”, was always an awaited event.
 

After her husband passed away, she abandoned the stage, but in 1960, persuaded by musicologist Odilio Urfe, Maria Cervantes reappeared in a packed concert performance at the Fine Arts Museum.

 
From that day and up until her death, Maria Cervantes maintained her constant presence on stage, loved dearly by the public that recognized her artistic talent and her command of the Cuban music.

She once said: “I would have liked to retire from radio, theater and for the public to remember me as I was, without glasses, grey hair, younger, but there was a second great debut that I do not regret because if I would have really retired, I would have died. Music is my life.”