Ferrer was born in the small Cuban town of Yaguajay and moved to Havana in 1965, where he got involved in the music scene. He played with Carlos Alfonso and Mike Porcella, the latter in a Cuban/rock fusion group called Los Dada. Over time, Ferrer built up an audience for his songs, which have since been recorded by artists including Celia Cruz, Omara Portuondo, Inti illimani, Danny Rivera, Papo Luca, and Willy Chirino. Poet/singer/composer/guitarist/tres player Pedro Luis Ferrer combines the influences of both classical and Cuban popular music in his guaracha-style songs, which usually address the everyday lives and struggles of the common people.