Grammy nominee Juan Carlos Formell dies aged 59 after suffering a heart attack on stage
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Juan Carlos Formell has died at the age of 59 after suffering a heart attack onstage during his New York show
- The son of music legend Juan Formell, Formell was nominated for a Grammy in 2000 for his debut album, Songs from a Little Blue House.
- He was performing in the Bronx when he suffered a heart attack
Juan Carlos Formell, the well-known Cuban singer and songwriter, has died at the age of 59.
He died May 26 after suffering a heart attack on stage at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx, New York City.
The son of music legend Juan Formell, Formell was nominated for a Grammy in 2000 for his debut album, Songs from a Little Blue House.
He fled Cuba and moved to New York in 1993. After the death of his father Juan Formell in 2014, he took over the position of bass player in his Afro-Cuban band Los Van Van.
Los Van Vans drummer is his brother Samuel, his sister Vanessa takes over the vocals.
Juan Carlos Formell, the well-known Cuban singer and songwriter, has died at the age of 59
Juan Carlos Formell (right) was performing in the Bronx when he suddenly walked away and collapsed near a curtain at the back of the stage after suffering a heart attack
They were performing in the Bronx when he suddenly walked away and collapsed near a curtain at the back of the stage after suffering a heart attack.
The band took a half-hour break before announcing to the audience that Formell was suffering from health issues. They then finished the set and played for another hour, it is said NYT.
Juan Carlos Formell comes from a long family of musicians in Cuba.
His great-grandfather, grandfather and father were all known for their musical ability and played with some of the greats of their day.
His mother, Natalia Alfonso, was also a cabaret singer.
In 1993, while touring in Mexico with the dance band Conjunto Rumbavana, Formell defected.
He crossed the Rio Grande near Laredo, Texas. Eventually he settled in New York City.
Juan Formel senior, left, leader of the popular Los Van Van orchestra, performs in Havana, Cuba late Sunday August 26, 2001
Formally built his career in jazz clubs while staying true to his music roots – rooting them in Cuban romantic music and traditional styles.
Los Van Van wrote in a tribute to the musician: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our brother and bassist.”
“Anyone who has ever met him knows how special he was as a person, as a professional and as a musician.” We are all devastated by the news.
“We are fortunate that in his final moments on stage he gave his all for our music, for our family, for Los Van Van and their fans.”
“We wish you eternal light together with our father and all the great vanvaneros who watch over us from heaven.” We will miss you so much Juanca.
“We are informing our fans that the tour is continuing in the United States. We will pay tribute to Juan Carlos in every performance, in every musical note, in every Vanvanero choir, just as Juanca would have wished.”