A Dark Two Weeks for Latin Music
The Latin music world has suffered devastating losses. Yesterday, Juan Formell passed away, leaving an irreplaceable void in Cuban music history.
Juan Formell - Founder of Los Van Van
Formell was a visionary bassist, composer, and bandleader who founded Los Van Van, one of Cuba's most influential orchestras. Alongside Blas Egües and Changuito, he pioneered songo—a revolutionary fusion of son, rumba, and funk that transformed Cuban popular music. His innovations laid the groundwork for what we now call timba (though that classification remains a subject of passionate debate among musicians and scholars).
The video captures Los Van Van at their creative peak, showcasing the sound that Formell crafted and the foundation of modern timba.
Chuck Silverman - Educator and Ambassador
The drumming community also lost Chuck Silverman this week. A dedicated educator and scholar, Silverman studied Cuban music extensively and wrote important works documenting its traditions. He played a crucial role in bringing percussionist Jimmy Branly to the United States, helping bridge Cuban musical knowledge with American audiences. His website (chucksilverman.com) has been an invaluable resource—check it while it's still available.
A Terrible Fortnight
These losses come alongside the recent deaths of conga legend Armando Peraza and salsa icon Cheo Feliciano. In just two weeks, Latin music has lost four giants whose contributions shaped generations of musicians.
There is not much more to add. Their music speaks for itself.