Lauro Dávila Echeverría (Pasaje, El Oro, August 18, 1885 – Guayaquil, December 23, 1968) was an Ecuadorian writer, poet, songwriter, and teacher. He wrote the music and lyrics for 23 songs, including the beloved “Guayaquil de mis amores,” an anthem that encapsulates the pride and love for the city of Guayaquil. His significant contribution to music was acknowledged when he became a founding member and the first secretary general of the National Union of Musicians. Dávila’s legacy also extends to literature, having penned several poem collections and comedies. Throughout his life, he was recognized with various awards for his contributions to music and literature. He passed away at the age of 83 in Guayaquil, the city that inspired his most famous song.
Biography
Lauro Dávila Echeverría was an influential Ecuadorian writer, professor, and poet. He was born in Pasaje (El Oro province), Ecuador, on August 18, 1885, and died in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on December 23, 1968.
Education and Career
Dávila studied in Quito, earning his teaching certificate from the “Juan Montalvo” Normal School. After moving to Guayaquil, he taught in various educational institutions and married his colleague, Rosa Amada Villegas.
Musical Accomplishments
Dávila had a strong passion for music. He was proficient with the guitar and piano, and wrote the music and lyrics for 23 songs. He also penned numerous lyrical and romantic poems, some of which were later set to music.
One of his most significant contributions to music was conceiving the idea of writing the song “Guayaquil de mis amores” while taking a walk near the Guayas River with musician Nicasio Safadi. This song was recorded in New York City on July 19, 1930, at the Columbia Phonograph Company, now known as Columbia Records. It has since been performed by countless singers, including the famed Julio Jaramillo.
Union Involvement
Dávila was a founding member of the National Union of Musicians, a trade union of Ecuadorian musicians established in 1938. He also served as its first secretary general.
Literary Works
Dávila’s literary works include the poem collections “Lira del alma,” “El diablo comedia,” “21 estampas de la vida real,” and “Películas y relámpagos.” He also wrote the comedies “El Diablo” and “Los viriles,” as well as the songs “Mascarita de carnaval” and “La casita de mi amada.”
Awards and Recognitions
In recognition of his contributions to literature and music, Dávila received several awards during his lifetime. In 1945, he received the gold medal from the Council of Guayaquil. In 1966, the Cantonal Council of Guayaquil awarded him the literary merit medal.
Lyrics
Guayaquil de mis amores Tu eres perla que surgiste del mas grande e ignoto mar, y si al son de su arrullar en jardin te convertiste; soberana en sus empeños nuestro Dios formo un pensil con tus bellas Guayaquil; Guayaquil de mis ensueños. Si a tus rubias y morenas, que enloquecen de pasion les palpita el corazon que mitiga negras penas con sus ojos verdes mares o de negro anochecer, siempre imponen su querer Guayaquil de mis cantares. Porque tienes las princesas que fascinan al mirar y que embriagan al besar con sus labios de cerezas, te reclamo las dulzuras con que anhelo yo vivir, para nunca mas sufrir; Guayaquil de mis ternuras. Y al mirar sus verdes ojos donde mi alma anhela estar prisionero cual el mar o al hundirme ya, de hinojos, en las noches con fulgores que sus ojos negros son, te dira mi corazon: Guayaquil de mis amores...
Video
Works
Poetry
- Lira del alma
- 21 estampas de la vida real
- Películas y relámpagos
Comedies
- El diablo
- Los viriles
Pasillo songs
- Mascarita de carnaval
- La casita de mi amada
- Guayaquil de mis amores