Noel Estrada

Noel Epifanio Estrada Suárez (June 4, 1918 – December 1, 1979) Musical compositions Estrada became a government employee after being honorably discharged from the Army. He was a protocol official for the State Department. It was during the 1940s and 1950s that he wrote and interpreted his songs in Puerto Rico and in the U.S. Among the many songs which he wrote were the following: “El Romance del Cafetal” (Romance of the coffee field); “Verde Navidad” (Green Christmas); “El Amor del Jíbaro” (The poor farmers Love); “Pobre Amor” (Poor Love); “Pedacito de Borinquen” (A piece of Puerto Rico); “Amor del Alma” (Love of the Soul); “Lo Nuestro Termino” (Our love is Finished); “Llévame a Ver a Jesús” (Take Me to see Jesus"); etcetera. However, it was “En mi Viejo San Juan” (In my Old San Juan) that would bring Estrada international acclaim. “En Mi Viejo San Juan” Estrada composed “En mi Viejo San Juan” in the 1940s, in New York City. It is Estrada’s most popular composition, and is considered a second national anthem by many Puerto Ricans, especially those who live abroad. The City of San Juan honored Estrada as an adopted citizen and would later adopt the song as its official city anthem.