Juan Climaco Formell Cortina (2 August 1942 – 1 May 2014) was a Cuban bassist, composer, and arranger, best known as the director of
Los Van Van. He was a creator of popular danceable music and credited with bringing electronic instrumentation into the Cuban musical form.
His full name was Juan Clímaco (
John Climacus
John Climacus (; ; ), also known as John of the Ladder, John Scholasticus and John Sinaites, was a 6th–7th century Christian monk at the monastery on Mount Sinai. He is revered as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church and Catholic Church.
...
) Formell Cortina.
His professional activity started in 1957 as musician of cabaret orchestras, radio and television. In 1959 he worked as bassist of Musical Band of Revolutionary Police. He died of
liver disease
Liver disease, or hepatic disease, is any of many diseases of the liver. If long-lasting it is termed chronic liver disease. Although the diseases differ in detail, liver diseases often have features in common.
Liver diseases
File:Ground gla ...
at the age of 71 in 2014.
Awards
In 1999, Juan Formell received a Grammy Award (Latin/Best Salsa Performance) for his work on the album "Llegó... Van Van – Van Van Is Here", recorded at Abdala Studios.
References
External links
soycubano.com
{{DEFAULTSORT:Formell, Juan
1942 births
2014 deaths
20th-century Cuban composers
21st-century composers
Cuban composers
Cuban male composers
Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners
Latin music songwriters
Cuban male musicians