He was a well known poet, writer and painter born Jose Julian Marti Perez in Havana, Cuba to Spanish parents and was the oldest brother to seven sisters. His family moved to Valencia, Spain, when he was 4 years old but two years later they returned and enrolled him at a local school. In 1867 he enrolled to take drawing classes at the Professional School of Painting and Sculpting.
His first publication of political writings was in 1868 and the same year he published the patriotic drama in verse “Abdala” as well as his renowned sonnet “10 de Octubre”. His school was shut down that year by colonial authorities and he became resentful of the Spanish rule as well as showing a hatred for the slavery which was still practiced in Cuba.
He was jailed for six years in 1869 at age 16 after being accused of treason but after he fell ill due to the damage from the lacerations caused by his chains he was transferred to another part of Cuba. He was repatriated to Spain and while there he studied law and wrote articles against the ruling of Cuba by Spain.
After receiving his BA and completing his studies he obtained a license in civil rights and went to France before returning to Cuba under an assumed name in 1877. Unable to find employment there he became a Professor of History and Literature in Guatemala City and then moved on to New York City as a joint consul for Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina.
After he founded the Cuban Revolutionary Party he planned to leave the US for Cuba but was caught in Florida. He eventually landed in Cuba in April 1895 with a small band of exiles and he was made a Major General. He was killed in battle with Spanish troops at the Battle of Dos Rios on 19th May 1895.
As an author and poet his best known works were written for children. The airport at Havana and the town of Marti were named after him and he is considered a national hero, often being referred to as the “Apostle of Cuban Independence”.
Joan Baez Recordings
Guantanamera (Jose Marti/Pete Seeger/Hector Angulo)
(A&M 1516-S, 2634-S) (US 45)
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