Avo Uvezian
Cigar Connoisseur
Legendary cigar connoisseur Avo Uvezian was born
in Beirut in 1926 to a family of talented musicians. His father
was a composer and conductor of a symphony orchestra, and his mother
a gifted singer. From his parents, Avo inherited his passion for
music - especially classical and jazz - and he hoped to one day
become a successful musician. In his late teens, he traveled the
Near and Middle East with his jazz tri, "Lebanon Boys."
After touring, Avo had the unique opportunity to be the official
pianist to Shah Reza Pahlevi of Iran. The Shah advised him to try
his luck in the United States, and Avo emigrated to New York in
1947.
In New York, Avo studied classical piano and composition at the
renowned Julliard School of Music. During a period of service
with the United States Army, Avo served as the pianist in the First
Army Band at Governor's Island. It was during this time that Avo
developed his renowned passion for fine cigars. He served in the
Army until 1953, after which he played with some of the great jazz
musicians of the 50's and 60's. Through his passion and dedication,
Avo had realized his life-long dream of a successful musical career.
The multilingual jazz musician and businessman moved to Puerto
Rico, and in the early 1980's he opened a restaurant and piano bar.
Always searching for the perfect cigar, Avo had a small number of
his own blend rolled. Avo gave these cigars to the guests at his
restaurant - and they couldn't get enough! Avo's transformation from
cigar connoisseur to cigar composer was almost complete.
Avo traveled the Caribbean in search of the finest tobaccos and
the best factory for making his cigars. In 1982, he found both in
the Dominican Republic. The Cibao Valley in the Dominica Republic
was the ideal place to grow his tobacco, and master cigar producer
Hendrik Kelner was just the right person to make his cigars. The
partnership of the two passionate cigar aficionados would have
amazing results - cigars in perfect harmony!
Avo Uvezian and Hendrik Kelner produced
100,000 cigars in 1986. By 1988 the first Avo was sold in New York
City. Today, three million cigars bearing the name of the jazz
pianist are enjoyed by aficionados all over the world each year. In
2004, Avo released his first CD, entitled Legacy. Avo's lifelong
quest for perfect harmony has brought him great success in not one,
but two careers - music and premium cigars.
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BIOGRAPHIES ::
Avo Uvezian: Cigar Connoisseur
Multilingual jazz musician and businessman, sold first Avo in New
York in 1988 more...
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