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August 6, 2005

R.I.P. Ibrahim Ferrer

A leading voice in Buena Vista Social Club, Ferrer passed away today at 78. The Cuban jazz musician first garnered attention in Pacho Alonso's band in the '50s but a few decades later he was shining shoes for a living. Ry Cooder plucked him out of obscurity for the Social Club CD and irorincally, Ferrer won Best 'New' Artist at the 2000 Latin Grammys for his follow-up solo CD.

Ibrahim Ferrer - "De Camino A La Vereda" (MP3 Link Expired)

Check out Wim Wenders' excellent doc Buena Vista Social Club for more of his amazing story.

Posted at 7:46 PM




23 Comments

a damn shame. I met both Ibrahim and Ruben Gonzalez at the Paris airport once. Both incredibly nice humble people who attempted to have a conversation with me and my broken ass attempt at spanish. Both are now dead. A Shame

Posted by: Will at 08/06/05 9:51 PM | Reply
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this link is wonky

Posted by: okok at 08/07/05 12:00 AM | Reply
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bum out, damn. thats shitty news. i'll have to sip one back and pour one out.

Posted by: Satisfied '75 at 08/07/05 4:33 AM | Reply
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oh that's so sad. even sadder that this news gets only four (including mine) measly comments on here while Lindsay Lohan posts get upwards of 40....

lame.


R.I.P.

Posted by: kevin at 08/07/05 1:20 PM | Reply
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this is really a shame. Ferrer was the Nat King Cole of Cuba. listened to a lot of "Bruca Manigua" on the road recently.

Posted by: schlarb at 08/07/05 8:23 PM | Reply
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Three years ago I spent money I didn't have to buy this cd. I'm still ecstatic about it. You were right my friend, the heart is cheered through song.

Posted by: paul at 08/07/05 9:45 PM | Reply
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and he smoked for 85 years!, rest in peace.

Posted by: rubas at 08/07/05 10:50 PM | Reply
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if anyone's interested, here's a segment on Ibrahim's passing that was done for the Dailysonic podcast/magazine: http://www.dailysonic.com/episode.php?episodeid=76

Posted by: schlarb at 08/08/05 9:18 AM | Reply
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The song you linked here is the first I've heard of Ibrahim's, but it is quite beautiful. He has a lot of talent, and he will certainly be missed.
Thanks for the song.

Posted by: candice at 08/08/05 10:11 AM | Reply
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Thank you for this. Sincerely.

Posted by: roxymoxy at 08/08/05 10:52 AM | Reply
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That's a Shame. Just yesterday, I was going through my collection, saw my Buena Vista Social club disc, and remembered how much I enjoyed this music. He was truly a talented and humble musician, who left a great body of work.

Posted by: robb at 08/08/05 1:19 PM | Reply
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A true tragedy. I can't remember ever wanting to cry listening to someone sing in a language I don't even speak before listening to Ferrer.

Posted by: drew at 08/08/05 2:32 PM | Reply
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viva la revolucion de musica cubana!

Ibrahim will sing, dance, drink, and smoke with the angels.....

Posted by: maya lucia at 08/08/05 7:41 PM | Reply
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Sunday marked a memorable day for me after hearing of the loss of Cuba's Ibrahim Ferrer. His voice has left a permanent impression on me and I feel fortunate to have been exposed to his music and forever touched by the warmth and sincerity that transcended his music. He will now sing amongst the angels.

Posted by: sirena at 08/08/05 9:40 PM | Reply
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I will truly miss him. I only wish he had been able to accept his grammy in person. We have truly lost a beautiful soul!!!!

Posted by: rosslyn at 08/09/05 3:14 AM | Reply
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Such sad news. Saw Ibrahim in concert on the 23rd of July this year at Kenwood House, London and thoroughly enjoyed it. His legacy will last forever through the power of his music. His albums will be a much loved part of my cd collection for many many years to come. Thank you for the music!

Posted by: Susana at 08/09/05 4:47 AM | Reply
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a truly great cuban singer with a voice we shall never forget he will live in our memories with great affection

Posted by: john at 08/09/05 5:34 AM | Reply
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Missed Ibrahim's Kenwood House gig a couple of weeks ago but had booked to see him at the Barbican this Oct. Was taking my sister along to introduce her to the great man. Just glad I managed to see his UK concerts in recent years. His communication with the audience and other band members was special. Feel sad & empty. At least we have the new CD of his boleros to look forward to. God bless Ibrahim and his Lazarus stick - "dos gardenias para ti -------"

Posted by: janet at 08/09/05 6:54 AM | Reply
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gracias ibrahim.

por tu carino. tu dolor. tu lagrima sonrisa.

te llevo conmigo. te llevamos todos.

para ti, hermano...te brindamos este ultimo 'regalito de ron'.

al fin...reunido con tu madre, quien nos dio un regalo tan inmenso.

abrazos, compadre.

Posted by: jorge at 08/09/05 11:56 PM | Reply
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Such a damn shame. I had the honour of dancing up front 'in the mosh' at their Sydney show and Ibrahim tore the place to pieces - my lasting memory will always be of him hanging off one of the front amps and sticking his mike into the audience. Him and his pals held us at their mercy for almost three hours of sheer brilliance....it had stormed all week, held off for the show, and as they exited the heavens opened and we were drenched.
Ibrahim, Compay, Ruben....heaven is partying hard now.

Posted by: LarryL at 08/10/05 1:29 AM | Reply
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R.I.P indeed

Posted by: G.V at 08/11/05 12:21 AM | Reply
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I was so sad to hear of the passing of such a great talent. I discovered the Buena Vista dvd just this year via the BRAVO network. I was drawn to the music but more importantly, to the rare talent and gift these individuals held. It is very sad to see that these people who were not only talented but actually held the LOVE of music, were hidden in total obscurity in Cuba. These days when you have talentless acts such as Britney, Lindsey and Paris making millions for lackluster (to be nice) records, these individuals were living in total poverty.
I find comfort in knowing that at least in their late years, they got to sample to love and adoration of fans that they TRULY...TRULY deserved. Compay, Ruben, and Ibrahim.....you will surely be missed. But we are all grateful for your talent and the opportunity to hear it transend through you. R.I.P.....legends!

Posted by: Kay In NEW YORK at 08/18/05 10:50 PM | Reply
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For those of you who never saw the great Benny More, Ibrahim was the only singer that kept the feelng of Benny alive without imitating him.
rest in peace Sonero.

Posted by: Kenny Thomas at 10/22/05 3:53 PM | Reply
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