Died On This Date (February 8, 2012) Wando / Brazilian Singer-songwriter
themusicsover Wando (Born Wanderley Alves dos Reis)
October 2, 1945 – February 8, 2012
Wando was a popular Brazilian singer-songwriter who launched his career in 1969. A classically trained guitarist, he went on to release numerous albums over the next three decades. Throughout his career, his songs were recorded by several other Brazilian singers, and one even appeared in a popular Brazilian soap opera. His last album, Fêmeas was released in early 2012. On February 8, 2012, Wando died in a local hospital of heart related issues. He was 66.
Thanks to Henk de Bruin from 2+ Printing for the assist.
Once called “The Soul of Puerto Rican Song,” Ruth Fernandez was a popular singer who broke both racial and gender barriers during the 1940s. After learning to play the piano as a child, Fernandez began performing around her neighborhood in Ponce, and by the time she was 14, she had already formed her first group and was performing for 50 cents a day at local radio stations. She went on to perform at area nightclubs and casinos with Mingo, a popular bandleader. In 1941, Fernandez received a recording contract from Columbia Records who released her first hit single, 1941’s “Cuando Vuelvas.” Before she knew it, she was performing in clubs as far north as New York City. Fernandez also became a popular performer for soldiers stationed overseas as she traveled to entertain troops of Hispanic descent during WWII and the Korean War. In 1954, she performed on El Show Libby’s, Puerto Rico’s first-ever televised music program. Over the course of her career, Fernandez toured the world, and in many places was the first Latina to do so. She also appeared in several Spanish-language films. In 1973, Fernandez was elected to the Senate of Puerto Rico where she served until 1981. During her tenure, she worked to better conditions for the artistic class. After retiring during the 2000s, it was revealed that Fernandez was suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Ruth Fernandez passed away at the age of 92 on January 9, 2012.
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.
Sandro de America was an Argentine singer and actor who rose to prominence during the ’60s. He began his career imitating 
Horacio “Gamexane” Villafañe was the founding guitarist for popular yet politically charged Argentine punk band, Todos Tus Muertos. The group, which formed in 1985, found a sizable following thanks in part to their seamless marriage of punk, reggae and hip-hop. After being named Best International Group by La Banda Elastica, Todos Tus Muertos signed with Grita! Records, the label founded by ex-Bad Religion drummer, Jay B. Ziskraut. The band, who has recorded with Manu Chao and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, to name just a couple, took a hiatus in 2000, but relaunched in 2004. They continued to tour and record until Villafañe fell ill while on a recent tour of Mexico. As was reported in 