José Pablo González Maldonado, known as Cheíto González, was born on January 21, 1935, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. He began playing guitar at eight and performing on local radio shows by twelve. In 1950, González moved to New York City, joining Trío Miramar and releasing his first single, "Egoísmo" (1950). He later formed the Trío Santurce with Rey Arroyo and Johnny Félix. Returning to Puerto Rico in 1955, he performed extensively and recorded several albums under various labels including Mardi and Mar-Vela. In 1958, González moved to Mexico City and joined Los Tres Reyes, releasing a critically acclaimed album that included hits like "Allá Tú" (1958) and "Ya No Estás" (1958). He returned to Puerto Rico in 1960 before moving back to New York in 1961. González passed away on December 10, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois.
