Legendary Colombian accordionist Egidio Cuadrado passed away on Monday at the age of 71. The musician, who had been hospitalized with pneumonia, was a household name in his home country and gained international fame for playing alongside Carlos Vives, Shakira, and many others.
"With profound sorrow, Clínica Universitaria Colombia informs the public that Vallenato artist Egidio Cuadrado has died at our facility. We join the Colombian people in mourning the loss of this great musician... His legacy will live on in the memory of all those who enjoyed and admired his talent," reads the hospital's statement announcing his death.
The news shook the Latin music world, prompting heartfelt reactions from his colleagues, starting with Vives, who always had Cuadrado by his side on tour.
"Today we bid farewell by honoring not only his career but the humble man who, with his accordion, made us part of his family, calling us all 'compadres and comadres, little compadres and comadritas,'" Vives said in a statement.
"Egidio Cuadrado, the man who never let go of his sombrero vueltiao, his Arhuaco bag, and his 12 accordions, will remain forever in our hearts. We will forever long for that vallenato sound that filled his noble heart, and he told the world that life has the greatest meaning when a Vallenato King like him plays the accordion."
Vives shared an emotional farewell on his Instagram account. "My compadre Egidio has passed away. Many years fighting for his health! Always together, always looking after his own, thank you for crossing paths with me, maestro! Let's never stop laughing. Rest in peace."
Born in northeastern Colombia, in the indigenous region of La Guajira near the Venezuelan border, Cuadrado fell in love with the accordion at the age of six and dedicated his life to the craft. He was awarded a Latin Grammy in 2021 for his devotion to the instrument and for spreading Colombian music worldwide.
Cuadrado would have been part of the tribute to Carlos Vives, who is being honored as the Latin Grammy Person of the Year on November 13th in Miami.
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