Facundo Cabral
May 22, 1937 – June 9, 2011
Facundo Cabral was a beloved Argentine folk singer who was recognized for his politically charged songs that dealt with protest, spirituality, and social commitment. Born into poverty in La Plata, Argentina, Cabral is said to have once walked over 1800 miles at the age of 9 to find work in order to support his six siblings and mother after his father abandoned them. After spending time in reform school, Cabral claimed to have met a vagabond who set him straight and encouraged him to follow a path of music. He went on to write countless songs and poems that inspired millions. His signature song, “No soy de aqui, ni soy de alla,” was just one of many that have since been covered by other major Latin singers. In 1978, Cabral lost his wife and son in a plane crash, and it took no less than Mother Teresa herself to challenge him to rise from the depression that followed and travel to India to work with lepers. He eventually re-found his muse, and although he was eventually crippled, nearly blind, and battled cancer, he continued to tour much of the world to entertain his devoted fans. He also found time to write 66 books. In 1996, Cabral was named Messenger Of Peace by UNESCO, and was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. On July 9, 2011, while on tour in Guatemala City, the 74-year-old Facundo Cabral died as his body was riddled by no fewer than 8 bullets from gunmen who had pulled alongside his SUV in three separate vehicles. While some initial reports indicated that Cabral was the target, others speculated that his driver, a concert promoter named Henry Farinas, was the intended victim. Farinas, along with Cabral’s agent, David Llanos received non-life threatening injuries in the attack. Upon hearing the news, Guatemala’s president Alvaro Colom immediately called for three days of national mourning while messages of condolence and grief poured in from other Latin American leaders.
Thanks to Jeff Ballenberg for the assist.
What You Should Own
Rita Guerrero was the lead singer of popular Mexican rock band, Santa Sabina. Co-formed by Guerrero in Mexico City in 1989, the band built a solid following thanks in part to their Gothic twist on progressive rock and jazz as well as Guerrero’s charismatic stage presence. During the late 80s, Guerrero moved from her home in Guadalajara to attend college in Mexico City. A theater student, she enlisted the help of a few local musicians to provide music for a play she had written. They quickly realized they had something special and became an actual band. Over the course of their run, they released seven albums including an MTV Latin Unplugged set. Santa Sabina went on hiatus in 2006 with Guerrero and fellow band mate, Leonel Perez continuing on as a chamber group, Ensamble Galileo. In January of 2010, Guerrero learned she had breast cancer. After a courageous year-long battle, Rita Guerrero succumbed to the cancer on March 11, 2011. She was 47.
Jose “Crunchy” Espinosa was a founding member of Los Angeles Latin rock/funk/hip-hop collective, Ozomatli. Formed in 1995, the band, which has counted as many as many as 10 members, quickly became local favorites thanks in part to their highly energetic shows and dance friendly message songs. With a sound rooted deep in Latin folk and lyrics in both Spanish and English, it was no doubt they’d become hometown favorites. The band is also highly regarded for using its popularity to lend a voice to people of struggle. During the 2000 Democratic Convention, Ozomatli staged a large protest concert outside of the event. In 1998 they released their self-titled debut that included the uptempo song “Como Ves” which became a film and TV staple and helped the band build its sizable following outside of Southern California. They have since released several more records, toured the world many times over, and wowed audiences at the biggest music festivals across the United States. Their fans range from lovers of traditional Latin music, Salsa, hip-hop, jamband, and alternative rock. Outside of Ozomatli, Espinosa collaborated with the likes of the Black Eyed Peas, Ubalaye, Money Mark, and the Salvador Santana Band. Jose “Crunchy” Espinosa died of cancer on January 5, 2011.
Pascual Saura was the longtime bassist for the popular Spanish rock band, M-Clan. Formed as Murcielagos Clan in 1992, the band built a sizable following around the world. Saura has been with M-Clan since 1993. He died unexpectedly on Friday, December 17, 2010. Cause of death was not immediately released, but he had suffered a brain hemorrhage in recent months.