Juan Formell Dies: Cuban Musician, Los Van Van Founder Dead At 71

Cuban musician Juan Formell died suddenly on Thursday in La Habana, according to state television. He was 71, and no further details of his death have been revealed. Formell was one of Cuba’s most legendary musicians, composers, bassist and guitarist with a vast artistic trajectory awarded both nationally and internationally thanks to the orchestra he founded and directed, Los Van Van.

Juan Formell was born in La Habana on August 2, 1942 and was drawn to music thanks to his father, Francisco, who was flautist, pianist and music arranger. Renowned Cuban musicians such as Félix Guerrero, Rafael Somavilla, Armando Romeu, Antonio Taño and Orestes Urfé also taught him. In 1969 he founded the orchestra Los Van Van, which became one of Cuba’s most iconic musical groups.

They popularized hits such as “Te traigo,” “Chirrín chirrán,” “Llegué, llegué,” “Que no, que no,” “El baile del buey cansao,” “Por encima del nivel,” “La Habana no aguanta más,” “Anda ven y muévete,” “Artesanos del espacio,” “La titimanía,” “El negro no tiene ná,” among many, many others. In 1999 Los Van Van were awarded with a Grammy for their album “Llegó… Van Van (Van Van está aquí)” and were nominated in several other occasions.

The orchestra has given Cuba more than 25 records that have been awarded multiple times both in the island and outside. Thanks to his contributions with contemporary orchestra music in his country, Formell was also awarded with the National Music Award and the Félix Varela Order that the Instituto Cubano de Música and the Culture Ministry grant respectively.

In March, 2010, Formell also received the Honoris Causa Doctorate from the Instituto Superior de Arte, recognizing his contributions to Cuban culture and particularly for leading Los Van Van, the leader in popular dance music of the island. In November 2013, Formell was also awarded with the Latin Grammy to Musical Excellence.

Juan Formell’s ashes will be exposed in Cuba’s National Theatre on Friday, and Saturday will see Cuba’s most important singers take over the island’s most emblematic landmarks to pay tribute to this great legend that was gone too soon.