Sory Pérez: A Voice of Passion, Resilience, and Legacy

In the heart of La Habana, Cuba, a young girl was born on December 31, destined to captivate the world with her voice. Sory Pérez, raised in El Monaco, Cuba, found her calling before she even learned to speak. Singing was not just a passion—it was her destiny.

A Childhood Steeped in Music

Although her family had no background in the arts—her mother, Isabel Corominas, a psychologist, and her father, a fiscal—Sory was immersed in music from an early age. Her mother nurtured her artistic instincts, enrolling her in ballet at just four years old, which later gave her the confidence and stage presence that would define her career. By seven, it became clear that Sory’s true gift lay in her voice, leading her mother to enroll her in piano lessons, a requirement for entering Cuba’s music industry.

While studying piano, she would often perform at community events, showcasing a raw talent that caught the attention of many. She even formed a close friendship with the daughter of the legendary Chucho Valdés, one of Cuba’s most celebrated musicians. Although she did not graduate as a pianist, she earned a degree in choir conducting at 18, a skill that deepened her understanding of vocal technique and paved the way for her career as a professional singer.

From Cuba to the World Stage

Sory’s career took off when Santiago Alfonso, director of the famed Tropicana, held a casting for a show in Monaco. Competing against 30 hopefuls, she was chosen as a soloist for Caribe y Salsa, her first professional international gig. That performance launched her into a global career, singing in over 20 countries and sharing the stage with musical legends like Pablo Milanés, Pancho Céspedes, Oscar D’León, Kelvis Ochoa, Juanes, Aymee Nuviola, and Omara Portuondo of Buena Vista Social Club.

Despite her success, Sory always dreamed bigger. She longed to perform alongside icons like Gloria Estefan, Chucho Valdés, Luis Miguel, and Juan Luis Guerra—artists who, like her, have shaped Latin music.

A New Life in Miami

At 33, Sory made the life-altering decision to leave Cuba for Miami. Arriving alone, she sought a fresh start but faced significant challenges. She moved in with her sister and nephew, sharing a bed for five months before securing her own space. Her first job was at Little Havana Cigar Factory, a humbling experience that allowed her to afford a small efficiency in Coconut Grove.

Determined to establish herself, she bought her first car within a month—only for it to break down on the Palmetto Expressway the next day. But instead of despairing, she embraced it as part of her journey, feeling blessed for the opportunities ahead.

Ten months into her Miami life, she became pregnant. Though unexpected, her son, Diego Pérez, became her greatest blessing. Now eight years old, Diego is a bright, creative child with dreams of becoming an astronaut. As a single mother, Sory takes immense pride in providing for him, though the weight of responsibility can sometimes feel overwhelming.

A Resilient Career and a Moment with Emilio Estefan

Sory found her footing as a vocal coach at Encore Academy of the Arts in South Miami, where she helped shape young talent, including the children of Juanes. She also worked as a coach for La Voz Miami, further solidifying her reputation as a mentor in the industry.

In October 2024, her life took a thrilling turn when her friend, renowned bassist Yorgis Goiricelaya, invited her to Emilio Estefan’s studio. Expecting nothing more than a casual visit, she was stunned when Emilio himself was there. Their meeting led to an invitation to perform at a major concert months later.

The preparation for such a high-profile performance, alongside balancing her personal and professional life, became overwhelming. In January 2025, she experienced her first panic attack, a wake-up call that led her to therapy—something she credits for helping her manage life’s pressures.

A Night to Remember at The Adrienne Arsht Center

When the night of Emilio’s concert arrived, Sory stood at the edge of one of her biggest audiences to date. Overwhelmed with nerves, she turned to prayer, as she always did before a performance. As she stepped onto the stage, trembling with emotion, the first notes of her song transformed everything. Magic took over.

By the second song, she was on fire, delivering a performance that was both elegant and deeply rooted in Cuban culture. It was a defining moment in her career—one that reaffirmed her dreams were within reach.

Dreams for the Future

While she has achieved incredible milestones, Sory Pérez still has much to accomplish. She dreams of winning a Grammy, acting in films—whether romance, drama, or comedy—and leaving behind a legacy that cements her name among the greatest voices in Latin music. She is currently collaborating with Hiram Vega on a personal project she values tremendously.

Her message to aspiring artists:

“Never stop believing in your dreams. Keep imagining the dream, keep working toward it every day.”

For those eager to witness her talent live, she performs at Cubata every other Thursday at 10:30 PM, bringing a Bohemian music style that mesmerizes audiences. You can find her at 8th Street and 16th Avenue, keeping the magic of Cuban music alive.

Sory Pérez’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the unwavering belief that dreams, no matter how impossible they seem, can become reality.