Francisco Aguabella
October 10, 1925 – May 8, 2010
Francisco Aguabella was a revered Afro-Cuban, jazz and Salsa percussionist who was also a sacred drummer of the Santeria religion. Born and raised in Cuba, Aguabella picked up his first instrument at 12, and ultimately left home in his mid-20s to pursue his music career. He performed all over the world, appeared in the Shelley Winters film, Mambo, and played at the White House. Over the course of his career, Aguabella performed with Frank Sinatra, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Carlos Santana, Cal Tjader, and the Doors to name a few. In 1992, he was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship from the Endowment for the Arts. Francisco Aguabella was 84 when he died of cancer on May 8, 2010.
Thanks to NAMM Historian, Dan Del Fiorentino for the assist.