Federico A. Cordero - Early Years

Early Years

Cordero (birth name: Federico Arturo Cordero Salguero) was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, a town which is now part the San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. Both his parents were instrumental in the formation of Cordero's character. His father taught him sports, especially boxing, at the age of three and his mother taught him how to read and write. They also paid for his first musical lessons. In 1933, the family moved to the city of Carolina where his father served as Mayor and where he was raised. There he received both his primary and secondary education. He received his first guitar from his mother as a gift and his neighbor, the musician Ramon Rivera gave him his first lessons.

Cordero graduated from high school in 1944 when he was 16 years old and enrolled in the University of Puerto Rico. At the age of 19, he earned his Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences. He made his professional debut during his student years with the "Trio Los Romanceros", which included Julito and Felipe Rodriguez.

After he earned his degree, he went to New York and entered Columbia University earning his Master's Degree in Economics. Cordero returned to the island and was hired by the Social Sciences Department of his Alma Mater. In 1950, he was hired by Chilean singer Lucho Gatica to play the guitar in his concerts.