He is the son of the noted Cuban composer/arranger/conductor Ramon "Bebo" Valdes. Taught by his parents from the age of three to age six, he began classes in piano, salsa, and music theory under Oscar M. Bouffartique who taught him until his ninth birthday. He went on to study at the prestigious Conservatory of Havana, beginning his career playing in orchestras conducted by his father. By age sixteen he was pianist for the Orquesta Moderna de Musica in the group "Crisol" and his solo piano performances and recordings are indicative of a virtuosity and creativity that has become an indelible influence on musicians of every genre around the world.
