trane_fanatic Posted August 7, 2005 Report Share Posted August 7, 2005 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050807/ap_on_en_mu/obit_ferrer --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Buena Vista Social Club Singer Ferrer Dies By ANITA SNOW, Associated Press Writer 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brownie Posted August 7, 2005 Report Share Posted August 7, 2005 The AP story (by Anita Snow, a good friend!) does not mention that Ibrahim Ferrer returned this week to Havana after a grueling one-month tour of Europe that ended last Tuesday at the Marciac jazz festival. Heard a live broadcast of his performance there and he sounded very good! Sad to see these veteran Cuban musicians and singers from the Buena Vista Social Club disappear one after the other! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soulstation1 Posted August 7, 2005 Report Share Posted August 7, 2005 i am sad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted August 7, 2005 Report Share Posted August 7, 2005 Rest in peace! I saw him a couple of times after the Buena Vista Social Club rediscovery of him, and he really was lovely in person. How glorious to show the world how those older than 70 can get down! Gone too soon, at 77. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul secor Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 (edited) I'm happy that he had the chance to sing for an entirely new audience and tour the world during his last years. Thank you, Mr. Ferrer. Edited August 8, 2005 by paul secor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeweil Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 Sadly many of the old Cuban musicians seem to pass after touring the world at old age - Machito, Mario Bauza, Ruben Gonzalez, Compay Segundo, and now Ibrahim Ferrer. Adios, and R.I.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalo Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 (edited) Not a bad way to go, though, back in the saddle and assured of posterity. R.I.P. Ibrahim. Edited August 8, 2005 by Kalo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
king ubu Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 Sad news... I somehow shied away to see the Buena Vista circus live... now it's too late... May he rest in peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Rat Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 We did a mini-feature on him this morning, read the Times obit and played five tracks. He really had a warm, approachable style compared to some of the "classic" Cuban voices (like More or Pio Leyva or Carlos Embale). And he exuded a sort of dignity that always made me for good for him (and me). I am very happy he got his day in the sun before he left us, though I'm sorry he apparently had to work so hard once he hit the limelight. --eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Man with the Golden Arm Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 Sad indeed. Saw one of the afro cuban all stars shows a few years back, and no Cooder made it even more impressive. The "circus" popularity of it pushing it over the edge for some musos, but truly an amazing night of music and (observed - not worthy would come to mind) dancing. Those folks were having the best of times and it was a privledge to watch them do so. Interesting serendipity I read was that he was born in a social club during a dance when mom went into unexpected labor. Gather that music was very powerful seventy eight years ago as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noj Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 One of the movie channels had Wim Wenders' Buena Vista Social Club documentary on last night. It is fortunate that we were able to hear Ibrahim's music before his departure. RIP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stefan Wood Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 Buenos Hermanos is one of the most beautiful albums in modern latin music. I'll have to revisit it tonight. RIP, Ibrahim - what a beautiful voice he had! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 (edited) We saw him live in Boston five years ago, with Ruben Gonzalez, and he put on a fantastic show. He will be missed. At least he finally had a measure of recognition during his last years. Edited August 8, 2005 by John B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonF Posted August 9, 2005 Report Share Posted August 9, 2005 Buenos Hermanos is one of the most beautiful albums in modern latin music. I'll have to revisit it tonight. RIP, Ibrahim - what a beautiful voice he had! ← Totally agree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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