Noel Estrada - Early Years

Early Years

Estrada was born in the town of Isabela, Puerto Rico where he received his primary education. During the Great Depression, many Puerto Ricans either emigrated 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 United States 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". In his youth he joined Fi Sigma Alfa Fraternity.