Died On This Date (January 5, 2011) Jose “Crunchy” Espinosa / Ozomatli
themusicsover Jose Espinosa
DOB Unknown – January 5, 2011
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.
What You Should Own
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 
Joe Arroyo, also known as El Joe, was a popular tropical and salsa singer who was considered one of Caribbean music’s greatest interpreters. A gifted vocalist since childhood, Arroyo was already singing at popular music venues around his hometown by the age of 10, and during the early ’70s, he landed his first record deal with the respected Discos Fuentes label. He went on to become very popular and successful thanks to his ability to marry elements of salsa, soca, merengue, and zouk. One of his biggest hits, “Rebelion,” is considered one of the greatest salsa songs of all time. Unfortunately, with the success came the drugs and Arroyo battled abuse for many years. That and other health issues forced him to take breaks from his career on several different occasions. On July 26, 2011, Joe Arroyo died of multi-organ failure after spending nearly a month in the hospital. He was 55.
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.