Minerva Herrera (February 26, 1929 – July 11, 2016) was a popular Cuban folk singer, who performed as part of the duo Martín y Minerva. She is perhaps best known as the mother of Albita, the Grammy-winning Cuban-American singer, producer and composer. Under the name of Mima, she appeared on a popular segment of her daughter's show, La descarga con Albita.

Minerva Herrera
Born(1929-02-26)February 26, 1929
Sancti Spíritus, Cuba
DiedJuly 11, 2016(2016-07-11) (aged 87)
Miami, Florida, U.S.
Occupation(s)Singer, author
Years active1940s–2010s
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Formerly ofMartín y Minerva

Biography

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As a youngster, Herrera showed an affinity for decima campesina, a type of Cuban folk song. Later she would publish four books on the musical genre.[1]

With Martín Rodríguez she formed the music duo Martín y Minerva. In 1952, her partner became her second husband. The team rose to prominence on Palmas y Cañas, a Cuban television program. The couple had two children together, Angel Miguel and Albita. She also has two children from a previous marriage.[1]

Her daughter, Albita is a popular recording artist. In 2010, Minerva began appearing on her daughter's television show, La descarga con Albita, which airs on Mega TV. Minerva was featured on "Mima's Counsels," a popular segment of the show.[1]

Herrera died of a heart attack in her Miami home on Monday, July 11, 2016.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Arias-Polo, Arturo (14 Jul 2016). "Star of Cuban folk music and mother of Cuban singer Albita dies". InCuba Today. Miami, Florida. Archived from the original on 2016-08-17. Retrieved 16 Jul 2016.