The Cuban musician Adalberto Álvarez died this Wednesday at the age of 72 due to complications derived from the covid-19, report several cultural institutions
Cuban musician Adalberto Álvarez baptized El Caballero del Son and considered one of the emblems of popular music on the Caribbean island, died this Wednesday in Havana at age 72 due to complications derived from Covid-19, reported the Cuban Institute of Music (ICM).
“With the physical departure of this great creator, Cuban popular music loses one of its most genuine exponents and the dancing public one of its most beloved artists,” said the ICM in a statement released by the island’s state television.
Through social networks, the EGREM record company highlighted that Álvarez “gave his life” to Son, one of the pillars of Cuban music, declared Cuba’s cultural heritage in 2012. “Son was his flag, his fight, his success” and “that’s why Adalberto lives and will live forever,” he added.
The Institute stressed that “by family decision,” Álvarez “will be veiled in an intimate ceremony.” The musician contracted the coronavirus and had been hospitalized in Havana for several weeks fighting for his life, according to his family.
Who was Adalberto Álvarez, El Caballero del Son ?
During his more than four decades of artistic career, Álvarez founded two of the most popular orchestras in the country: “Son 14” (1978) and “Adalberto Álvarez y su Son” (1984), and he toured Cuban music through important stages in America. America, Europe, and the United States.
He was the author of anthological themes such as “And what do you want them to give you”, “To Bayamo by car” and “To dance the touches touch”, and one of the promoters that Cuba instituted the Cuban Son Day, celebrated for the first time on May 8th.
A member of Parliament between 2013 and 2018, Álvarez was among the country’s popular musicians who expressed their support for the historic anti-government demonstrations last July, which left one dead, dozens injured, and hundreds of detainees.
“I am hurt by the blows and the images I see of violence against people who take to the streets to express what they feel peacefully,” he said then on Facebook. “Beyond political thought is the human right,” he added, referring to the repressive abuses recorded during the outbreak. With information from
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.
