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Ricardo Cuenci: the voice behind a beloved Christmas carol for 46 years, who endured exploitation and poverty before finding a way forward through carpentry and small-scale work
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EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA reached out to hear his story at the dawn of La Rondallita, where he candidly described a life of hardship and perseverance
Ricardo Cuenci has quietly lived in the shadows of a holiday staple for decades. Each Christmas, his voice emerges in households, almost as if by instinct, accompanying celebrations and memories. Although the tune has earned broad popularity, Cuenci himself never reached wealth from it. He faced exploitation, missed payments, and broken promises, including a promised tour that never fully materialized. These experiences left him wary and pragmatic, choosing to survive through honest labor instead of chasing the limelight.
“I never saw a penny,” he told EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA. “Life is tough, and we live with what we can earn.” He has endured with resilience, moving from one uncertain situation to another, including periods of displacement and limited communication after his home was looted. Today, he travels with the support of family, sometimes relying on a sister who helps reconnect him with the outside world. Even with a fragile video connection, the warmth of his voice still shines through.
When Cuenci reflects on the memories tied to the song, emotion overcomes him. Tears often accompany the melody, not out of bitterness but because the music carries both joy and nostalgia. He remains a humble, honest person who hoped to dedicate himself fully to music. The harsh reality of the music industry, however, opened a chasm between talent and reward, a gap that has never completely closed.
Cuenci recalls the early days when a strong voice caught the ear of a local producer. His father enrolled him in a children’s choir conducted by Raúl Cabrera, framing a dream of perfection that would guide him through the early success of La Rondallita, a project formed by a select group of young singers. The initial single, featuring two songs, laid the groundwork for a broader audience as it circulated in jukeboxes and radio stations across the region, eventually extending its reach beyond local borders.
As the project grew, a larger tour beckoned, with operators in Puerto Rico and beyond recognizing the potential of the chorus. The plan evolved into a full album to accompany a growing tour, expanding the repertoire with additional pieces and instrumental tracks. Yet the path was rocky. The group faced challenges with appearances and voice duplication, and Cuenci’s family grappled with the financial promises that never fully materialized. Producers pursued broader opportunities, including the possibility of alliances with other established acts, while Cuenci’s father weighed the safety and well-being of his young son against potential fame.
Despite the turbulence, the venture yielded moments of triumph. Ricardo remembers the excitement of concerts, the thrill of thousands of tickets sold, and the surreal experience of fans showering him with rings and money—moments that felt like a shortcut to happiness. Yet behind these memories lay a stark reality: there was no formal contract, and compensation did not match the rising spectacle. The dream frayed as obligations and payments remained unsettled, leaving the young artist navigating a bewildering industry.
The pressure built. A chance invitation to join a larger musical project with ties to a major pop ensemble surfaced, but it was declined due to concerns about his age and family considerations. The opportunity, and the fame that might have accompanied it, never fully materialized. Eventually, Cuenci shifted his focus toward music theory and performing with an orchestra, yet the broader stage remained elusive. Personal misfortune, including a legal encounter in his late teens, added another layer of hardship, reinforcing a life spent balancing music with practical work.
Now in his mid-to-late fifties, Cuenci continues as a craftsman—carpentry, laminating, and related trades—supporting a large family and keeping music alive in his own way. He hopes for renewed support that would allow him to return to a platform where his voice can be heard once more, even if only in a local or community setting. He remains hopeful, arguing that the music still matters and deserves a fair chance to shine again.
As Cuenci looks to the future, campaigns are underway to reclaim copyrights and secure fair compensation for decades of musical contribution. A crowdfunding effort has already raised a modest sum to recognize the happiness the song has delivered to listeners over more than four decades and to provide a path for him to rebuild his life. The ultimate dream is simple: to use music to uplift rural children, helping them through education and community programs while continuing to share the song that has become a touchstone for many families during the holidays. The public and press alike have acknowledged the tune’s enduring popularity, with outlets like Billboard highlighting its lasting impact on Christmas playlists. Cuenci remains convinced that with support, he can nurture his lifelong passion and perhaps brighten the season for others once again.