Born in 1936 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Guillo Carias began studying music at a young age under the guidance of his pianist father. He showed early promise as a trumpet player and quickly became one of the best in his country. In 1955, he joined the orchestra at the El Jaragua Hotel in Santo Domingo and in 1957, he moved to Jamaica to play with the Round Hill Hotel orchestra. In 1959, he moved to Curaçao to play with the Intercontinental Hotel orchestra, and in 1961, he returned to Puerto Rico to join the Ponce Intercontinental Hotel orchestra.

 

In 1962, Guillo's career took a major turn when he became one of the star players in the Tito Rodríguez Orchestra in New York City, one of the most popular Latin jazz orchestras in the world. He toured extensively with the orchestra throughout the United States and Latin America and made numerous recordings with them. In 1964, he returned to Puerto Rico to become the conductor and musical director of the San Geronimo Hilton, a position he held for three years. From 1967 to 1974, he served as the conductor and musical director of the Puerto Rico Sheraton Hotel orchestra.

 

In 1974, Guillo returned to the Dominican Republic to become the assistant principal trumpet player with the National Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for 17 years. In 1985, he conducted the first Jazz Symphonic Orchestra Concert in the Dominican Republic, and he also directed his own composition for symphonic orchestra and jazz group, called "Los Cocuyos del Campito." He was highly sought after as a conductor and arranger and worked with many of the top musicians in his home country.

 

Guillo Carias was not only a gifted musician, but also a popular teacher who taught trumpet at the Carol Morgan School in Santo Domingo. He was known for his kindness and generosity and always gave back to his community. His legacy as a national treasure and his contributions to the music of the Dominican Republic will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.