Blinded as a child, Frank Emilio began to play piano at the age of 10, studying classical music by means of Braille scores. During the 1930s, he played with many noted Cuban musicians in several genres, including ‘filin’ that blended the bolero with jazz. After leading the bands Loquibambia and Grupo Cubano De Música Moderna, Emilio joined Pedro ‘Peruchín’ Jústiz’s outfit, Los Amigos. Upon Jústiz’s death in 1977, Emilio took over as leader as the band became very popular with visiting American jazz musicians. He was also involved in the preparation of Braille scores, including those for classical works by his fellow countryman, Ernesto Lecuona. Emilio was famously joined by Chucho Valdés, one of his most vocal supporters, for a performance of Lecuona’s ‘Danza Lecum’, a piece for two pianos.