His grandfather, Ciro Rodríguez, was a notable influence in his musical training, as he grew up in an environment surrounded by love of music. His house was visited by Miguel Matamoros, Cueto, Sindo Garay and especially Benny Moré, to name but a few; he specially remembers Paulina Álvarez, a great friend of the Matamoros and Ciro´s friend.  Their home was not only constantly visited by musicians, but also by poets like Nicolás Guillen, Regino Pedroso and others. We should mention also his late sister Marina Isabel, a disciple of Digna Guerra, who did his vocal training as she was a member of the national choir.