Noel Estrada

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Noel Estrada (June 4, 1918 – 1979) was born in the town of Isabela, Puerto Rico. He was the composer of "En mi Viejo San Juan", one of the most famous Boleros in Puerto Rico.

Noel Estrada

Estrada received his primary education in his hometown. During the Great Depression, many Puerto Ricans either immigrated to the United States (mainly to the northeastern coast area) or joined the armed forces, with the hope of improving their economic situation. At the outbreak of World War II, Estrada joined and served in the Army. Being away from his homeland for the first time in his life would in the future serve him as inspiration when composing his world renowned Bolero "En mi viejo San Juan".

Estrada became a government employee after being honorably discharged from the Army. He was a protocol official for the State Department. It was during the 1940s and 1950s that he felt his true calling for composing and that he wrote and interpreted his songs in Puerto Rico and in the U.S.

Album Cover of "En mi Viejo San Juan"

Among the many songs which he wrote were the following: "El Romance del Cafetal" (Romance of the coffee field); "Verde Navidad" (Green Christmas); "El Amor del Jibaro" (The poor farmers Love); "Pobre Amor" (Poor Love); "Pedacito de Borinquen" (A piece of Puerto Rico); "Amor del Alma" ( Love of the Soul); "Lo Nuestro Termino" (Our love is Finished); ecetera. However, it was with "En mi viejo San Juan" (In my old San Juan) that Estrada would become famous and gain international acclaim.

"En mi viejo San Juan" is considered a second national anthem by many Puerto Ricans, especially the Puerto Ricans that live far away from Puerto Rico, which is basically half of their total population. The City of San Juan adopted the song as its official city anthem. "En mi viejo San Juan" is considered a classic and has been performed by my artist' including, Vikki Carr, Marco Antonio Muñiz, Rafael Cortijo, Ismael Rivera, Pedro Rivera Toledo, Celia Cruz, and Rocío Dúrcal.

Estrada's composition "Mi romantico San Juan" (My romantic San Juan) won a first prize in the "Festival of the Puerto Rican Composer". In 1966, the City of San Juan honored Estrada by declaring him their adopted son.

Noel Estrada died in the City of San Juan in 1979.

Puerto Rico and the towns of Isabela and San Juan have honored Estradas' memory by naming streets and schools after him.