Richard Egües, nicknamed "la flauta mágica" (the magic flute), (October 26, 1923 - September 1, 2006) was a Cuban flautist and musician, one of the country's most famous artists.
A few days before he died, Richard Egües stated "I would give my life for him", referring to the Cuban President Fidel Castro, who was very sick at the time.
Charanga bands consist of vocals, percussion, strings and a flautist with the flute serving as a prominent and central voice.
After substituting in the band on many occasions over a period of years, Richard was finally solicited by the leader to become a full-time member when Rolando Lozano left the group in 1954.
Once installed, Egües remained with Orquesta Aragón for over three decades and became an active participant (as flautist, writer and arranger) in the band's most renowned works and, in a genuine sense, began to define this style of Cuban music as Orquesta Aragón became a world-renowned performing group—and in no small measure on account of Egües’ own personal popularity.