Music Artist of the Month-Ibrahim Ferrer-August 2005

[irMaxSALSA]

One of Cuba's greatest passes away.

May his music echo through the ages.

¡Cuba Libre!

[peachexploration]

Wow! I didn't realize that, Irmaxsalsa! :( More info below.

By ANITA SNOW, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 5 minutes ago

HAVANA - Ibrahim Ferrer, a leading voice with the hugely popular Buena Vista Social Club of vintage Cuban performers, died Saturday, his representative in Cuba said. He was 78.

The Montuno production company did not give a cause of death, but Ferrer's colleagues said he suffered from emphysema and was feeling ill earlier in the week.

Known for his trademark cap and graying mustache, Ferrer was a wiry, animated figure who clearly enjoyed performing Cuba's traditional "son" music of the 1940s and 1950s for new generations of fans.

Among a group of older Cuban performers recruited by U.S. musician Ry Cooder, Ferrer performed on the "Buena Vista Social Club album" that won a Grammy in 1999, and was among those appearing in the film of the same name.

"I felt like he was my brother," said fellow Buena Vista performer, the guitarist Manuel Galban. "He was a great musician and a great companion."

Also in 1999, Ferrer was featured in one of a string of albums that followed, "Buena Vista Social Club Presents Ibrahim Ferrer," and won a Latin Grammy for best new artist in 2000.

Two other well-known members of the original Buena Vista group, singer Compay Segundo and pianist Ruben Gonzalez, died in 2003.

Originally from Cuba's eastern city of Santiago, Ferrer was born on Feb. 20, 1927, during a dance at a social club after his mother unexpectedly went into labor.

Ferrer was still a boy when he began singing professional with Santiago groups in 1941. By the late 1950s, he was a well-known singer performing regularly with the late, great bandleader Pacho Alonso.

He also made guest appearances with other legendary names, including Benny More and Orquesta de Chepin.

Alonso's group moved to Havana in 1959, and Ferrer came along, remaining with the group for more than two decades. By the early 1980s, Ferrer had left the musical scene, but came out of retirement to perform with the Buena Vista group.

[Mala]

Hey! That's really sad. He had the sweetest voice, the sweetest face too.... The "abuelo" everyone would love to have. He had a pretty tough life too, I believe. At least before he got that Grammy. Anyon e have some real favorite songs of his? Candela?

[Tasek]

:( :cry:

[irMaxSALSA]

His Buenos Hermanos Album is my favorite.

[salcero2005]

Death of a Legend

Havana, Cuba, Sunday - Ibrahim Ferrer, legendary Cuban singer of son and bolero with the Buena Vista Social Club, died yesterday in Havana aged 78. He began singing aged 12 and as a young orphan worked as a street vendor. After a career in music he retired as a shoe shiner when he was rediscovered by Ry Cooder. Ferrer's international fame came when he was in his 70s. He won a Grammy but was unable to attend the awards ceremony when US refused to grant him a visa. When interviewed about this, the elderly man's incredulity was palpable. 'Does President Bush think I am a terrorist?' asked the 77 year old. 'I could never be one of those'.

I will go home and listen to "El Cuarto De Tula" in his honor

[peachexploration]

I thought this thread would be appropriate for Music Artist of the Month for August. :)

[peachexploration]

Hey! That's really sad. He had the sweetest voice, the sweetest face too.... The "abuelo" everyone would love to have. He had a pretty tough life too, I believe. At least before he got that Grammy. Anyon e have some real favorite songs of his? Candela?I'm shocked! :shock: :shock: I could have sworn I had Ibrahim and Buena Vista Social in my CD collection. I have torn up my CD filing system looking for it. I am off to the record store, pronto! :car: There are a few duets he does with Omara Portuondo that are just beautiful.

There are very few people in the music world with that kind of voice. Just timeless... :D

[peachexploration]

Any other fans of his music out there? :)

[mexi_gabacho]

I wrote about this the night it happened to some of my personal friends. This man's voice is one of the most unique and beautiful that I've ever heard. He was also one heck of an improviser too, which follows Cuban music tradition and constantly changing (read: evolving) the songs.

A voice like sweet, smooth honey, I think.

[salsalexx]

it's relly was so sad...

but i did't know so many songs of his...

so please people... what is the best songs of him that you can recommend to me

thanks :roll: