Arsenio did go back to Cuba after learning that an operation wouldn't save his eyesight (1948). He left again for New York in 1951, with his brother, Kike, due to threats that were made upon Kike by Kike's victim's family after Kike was released from prison, where he was held for killing somebody in an attempt to protect his brother, Arsenio.

More information about the tres and Arsenio Rodrigues can be found if you listen to my series of radio programs called "Cuba in Motion". Lots of music as well as information. Episode 54 is all about Arsenio Rodrigues....and I also talk about the tres in that episode and others.


Cuba in Motion (podcast)