Died On This Date (July 7, 2011) Manuel Galban / Buena Vista Social Club
themusicsover Manuel Galban
January 14, 1931 – July 7, 2011
Manuel Galban was a Grammy winning musician and arranger who is perhaps best remembered for his work with Ry Cooder, Las Zafiros, and as a member of the popular Latin collective, Buena Vista Social Club. Born and raised in Cuba, Galban was still just a child when he began playing guitar in local bands, and when he was 14, he was hired on by Orchestra Villa Blanca for his first professional job. In 1963, he joined the immensely popular group, Las Zafiros, with whom he played for the better part of the next decade. Galban went on to perform with Cuba’s national music ensemble and then Grupo Batey for over 20 years. During the late ’90s, his talents reached an international audience when he performed as part of the Buena Vista Social Club ensemble in Wim Wenders‘ critically acclaimed documentary of the same name. That led to a partnership with Cooder who also participated in the film. In 2001, Galban and Cooder released Mambo Sinuendo which earned the pair a Grammy. Manuel Galban died of cardiac arrest on July 7, 2011. He was 80.
Thanks to Benjie Gordon for the assist
What You Should Own
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