Ángela Álvarez, The Cuban Artist Who Won 'Best New Artist' Grammy at 95, Has Died at 97

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Cuban artist Ángela Álvarez, who inspired the world in 2022 by winning her first Latin Grammy, passed away at 97. She was surrounded by family and loved ones, her grandson Carlos José Álvarez said.

"I feel so fortunate to have shared our grandmother with the world. She was a gift to me," said Carlos José, a producer. She died in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she had lived for many years.

"What we achieved together was extraordinary. She is a testament to courage, love, and the importance of keeping dreams alive. She taught us how art can heal during adversity," he added. "Working with her changed my life. The gift I thought I was giving her was, in reality, a gift she gave to me and, in turn, to the world. She always said, 'I want to leave this world knowing my music will live on,' and it will. Her life was full, and her legacy continues to shine."

It was Carlos José who encouraged her to formally record her songs in his studio. The result, a self-titled album, was presented to the Latin Recording Academy, earning her a nomination for Best New Artist and a shared Latin Grammy with Silvana Estrada.

A Life as Remarkable as Her Success

Born in Camagüey, Cuba, on June 13, 1927, Ángela learned piano as a child and later mastered guitar, which led her to compose music. In 1962, she was among the thousands of children who left Cuba as part of Operation Pedro Pan. Music remained a hobby until her grandson offered her the chance to record professionally.

"I knew she had songs, but I didn't know she had so many," Carlos José said in the documentary 'Miss Angela,' which chronicles her life. "She pulled out all these notebooks, and as she began playing the songs, I realized she was a frustrated artist. I didn't know this about her. I knew she could sing, had an incredible voice, and had songs, but I didn't know she was an artist."

Her artistry left a lasting impression on the most important figures in Latin music and everyone who discovered her through her work. Her music will live on forever.