Cuban music stars who deceased at age 65
Here are 6 famous musicians from Cuba died at 65:
José Lezama Lima
José Lezama Lima (December 19, 1910 Havana-August 9, 1976 Havana) also known as Jose Lezama Lima was a Cuban writer and novelist.
He is considered one of the most important figures of Cuban literature of the 20th century, and his novel Paradiso is considered a masterpiece of Latin American literature. Lezama Lima was part of a literary movement in Cuba known as "el grupo Orígenes," which aimed to revive Cuban culture and literature by incorporating elements of European modernism and surrealism. Lezama Lima also worked as a journalist and a professor of literature, and he was a key figure in a cultural scene that included artists such as Wifredo Lam and Cintio Vitier. His writing explores themes such as sexuality, spirituality, and the Cuban identity, and his style has been praised for its lyricism and complexity. Lezama Lima's influence on Cuban literature continues to be felt today, and he is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and rewarding writers of the Spanish language.
In addition to Paradiso, Lezama Lima also wrote a number of other influential works, including his poetry collection La Fijeza (The Fixity) and his essay collection La Expresión Americana (The American Expression). He was known for his extensive knowledge of literature, philosophy, and art, and his writing is often characterized by its intertextuality and allusions to works from a variety of fields. Despite his literary fame, Lezama Lima remained a relatively private person throughout his life, and he did not publish many of his works until later in life. After his death, his papers and manuscripts were donated to the Cuban National Library, where they have been studied and celebrated by scholars and writers alike. Today, Lezama Lima's legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers and thinkers, both in Cuba and beyond.
Lezama Lima was born into an upper-middle-class family in Havana, and he spent most of his formative years immersed in a rich cultural environment. His parents were both avid readers, and they encouraged his interests in literature and the arts from a young age. Lezama Lima attended the University of Havana, where he studied law and philosophy, but he was more interested in literature and soon abandoned his studies to pursue a career as a writer.
In the 1940s, Lezama Lima became involved in the cultural scene in Havana, where he met other writers and artists who shared his interest in avant-garde and experimental forms of expression. Together with a group of fellow writers, including Eliseo Diego, Fina García Marruz, and Virgilio Piñera, he founded the literary magazine Orígenes, which became an important platform for the development of a new Cuban literary aesthetic.
In the following years, Lezama Lima continued to publish his writing in a variety of formats, including poetry, essays, and literary criticism. However, it was his mammoth novel, Paradiso, published in 1966, which cemented his reputation as a major literary figure. The novel is a complex, sprawling work that combines elements of myth, history, and philosophy with a richly imagined, semi-autobiographical narrative.
Lezama Lima's writing was deeply informed by his own experiences of growing up in Havana, and he was particularly interested in exploring the intersections of race, class, and sexuality in Cuban society. His work is often regarded as a reflection of the complex cultural and political realities of Cuba in the mid-20th century, and his influence on subsequent generations of Cuban writers and artists cannot be overstated.
Lezama Lima's writing was heavily influenced by his Catholic upbringing, as well as his interest in Eastern philosophy and mysticism. He saw literature as a means of exploring the profound mysteries of existence, and his work often dealt with themes of spirituality, transcendence, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Lezama Lima's writing also reflected his own struggles with his sexuality, which he saw as an essential aspect of his identity. His frank treatment of queer themes in his writing was groundbreaking for its time, and he has since been recognized as a pioneering queer writer in Latin America.
Despite his literary acclaim, Lezama Lima faced significant obstacles during his lifetime, including censorship by the Cuban government and struggles with financial insecurity. He was also plagued by health problems throughout his life, including severe hypertension and diabetes. Lezama Lima died in 1976, at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of literary and intellectual brilliance that continues to inspire readers and writers around the world.
After his death, several posthumous works by Lezama Lima were published, including Oppiano Licario, a novel that he had been working on for over 20 years. The novel, which was unfinished at the time of his death, was edited and published by his literary executor, Ambrosio Fornet. Oppiano Licario is a highly experimental work that combines a range of literary genres and styles, and it has been hailed as a masterpiece of Cuban literature. Lezama Lima's influence on literature in Latin America and beyond has continued to grow in the years since his death, and he has been the subject of numerous critical studies and academic conferences. In 2010, on the centenary of his birth, several events were held in Havana and elsewhere to celebrate his life and work. Today, Lezama Lima is remembered as one of the greatest writers of the Spanish language, and his legacy continues to inspire readers and writers around the world.
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Roberto Goizueta
Roberto Goizueta (November 18, 1931 Havana-October 18, 1997 Atlanta) was a Cuban personality.
He was best known for being the CEO and Chairman of the Board of The Coca-Cola Company from 1980 until his death in 1997. Goizueta graduated from Yale University with a degree in Chemical Engineering and started his career at Coca-Cola as a technical assistant in 1954. He worked his way up the company ladder and was appointed CEO in 1980. Under his leadership, Coca-Cola's revenues grew exponentially, and the company became one of the world's most recognizable brands. Goizueta was also involved in numerous philanthropic activities, including the establishment of the Goizueta Foundation, which supports educational initiatives. He is remembered as a visionary leader who transformed Coca-Cola into a global powerhouse.
During his tenure as CEO, Goizueta introduced a new formula for Coca-Cola in 1985, called "New Coke" which initially received widespread criticism from the public. However, he persisted with the new formula, and it eventually led to an increase in the company's overall sales. In addition to his role at Coca-Cola, Goizueta also served on the board of directors for the SunTrust Banks, Inc., the RAND Corporation, and the American Cancer Society.
Goizueta was a highly respected business leader and was recognized for his achievements with numerous awards throughout his lifetime. He was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 1995 and was posthumously awarded the Horatio Alger Award in 1998.
Roberto Goizueta's legacy continues to influence the modern-day Coca-Cola Company, and it's estimated that his strategic decisions during his tenure as CEO propelled the company to become a market leader in the global beverage industry.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Roberto Goizueta was also known for his personal characteristics. He was described as a charismatic and decisive leader who was deeply committed to the company and its employees. He was also known for his love of cigars and vintage cars. Goizueta died in 1997 at the age of 65 from lung cancer. His death was felt deeply by the Coca-Cola community and the business world as a whole, as he was considered one of the most influential and successful executives of his time. Today, he is remembered as a trailblazer who transformed the beverage industry and set a high bar for future generations of business leaders.
In 2015, Coca-Cola announced that it would be investing $1.6 billion in Mexico to expand its facilities and increase production. This move was seen as a tribute to Roberto Goizueta, as he had been a strong supporter of investing in Mexico and had played a key role in expanding the company's operations there. Goizueta had also been a strong advocate of using technology to improve the company's efficiency, and during his tenure as CEO, Coca-Cola became one of the first major corporations to use computers extensively in its operations. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas continue to inspire business leaders today.
In addition to his role as CEO of Coca-Cola, Roberto Goizueta was also a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Olga, were married for over 40 years and had two children, Javier and Olga Maria. Despite his demanding job, Goizueta made time for his family and was known for his love and devotion to his wife and children. He also valued education and was committed to supporting young people in their pursuit of knowledge. In 1992, he established a scholarship program at his alma mater, Yale University, to provide financial support to undergraduate students.
Goizueta's impact on the beverage industry and the business world as a whole continues to be felt today. He was a trailblazer who forged new paths and set high standards for others to follow. His legacy serves as a reminder that with hard work, vision, and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible. His story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders everywhere.
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Pastor Vega
Pastor Vega (February 12, 1940 Havana-June 2, 2005 Havana) was a Cuban film director, screenwriter and actor.
Pastor Vega was a prominent figure in Cuban cinema, known for his contributions to the development of what is known as the "New Cuban Cinema". Over the course of his career, he directed eleven feature-length and nine short films, many of which explored the complexities of contemporary Cuban society through a unique blend of documentary and fiction filmmaking techniques. He was particularly beloved for his ability to bring honesty, sensitivity and humor to his portrayals of Cuban life.
In addition to his directing work, Pastor Vega was also an accomplished screenwriter and actor. He wrote the script for several films, including "The Companion" and "The Survivor", both of which earned critical acclaim. He also acted in a number of films, including "Buena Vista Social Club" and "Strawberry and Chocolate".
Despite his success, Pastor Vega was always committed to using his art to promote social justice and human rights. He was an active member of the Cuban Communist Party and used his position to advocate for the rights of the Cuban people, particularly those marginalized by society. His legacy continues to live on in the vibrant and evolving Cuban film industry.
Pastor Vega was born on February 12, 1940, in Havana, Cuba. He grew up in a time of political turmoil, with the Cuban Revolution leading to the overthrow of the Batista regime in 1959. After studying at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Vega began his career in film as a director's assistant and later as an assistant screenwriter. He quickly rose to prominence in the industry, earning critical acclaim for his first feature-length film, "The Other Francisco", which explored issues of slavery and the Afro-Cuban experience.
Throughout his career, Pastor Vega continued to work at the forefront of the "New Cuban Cinema" movement, a wave of filmmaking that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His films were known for their raw honesty, gritty realism, and uncompromising commitment to depicting the complexities of contemporary Cuban life. In addition to his work in film, Vega was also a prolific writer, penning several books on film theory and criticism.
Despite his political affiliation, Pastor Vega always maintained his artistic independence, refusing to compromise his vision for the sake of politics. He believed deeply in the power of film to effect change and used his art to advocate for issues close to his heart, including the fight against poverty and inequality. In 2005, he passed away after battling cancer, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of Cuba's most influential and beloved filmmakers.
Throughout his career, Pastor Vega received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to Cuban cinema. In 1980, his film "The Other Francisco" won the Silver Bear award at the Berlin International Film Festival. In 1990, he was awarded the National Film Award from the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry for his significant contributions to the country's film industry.
Pastor Vega also made significant contributions to the education and training of young filmmakers in Cuba. He taught at the Instituto Superior de Arte and was a mentor to many emerging filmmakers, passing on his knowledge and passion for filmmaking.
In addition to his artistic achievements, Pastor Vega was also regarded as a humble and generous individual who remained committed to helping his community. He was known for his involvement in social and cultural initiatives, particularly those focused on improving the lives of marginalized communities. His passion for social justice and his commitment to using his art to promote positive change in society continue to inspire filmmakers and artists in Cuba and around the world.
Pastor Vega's films were not only celebrated in Cuba but also screened at international film festivals, gaining a global audience. His work has been praised for depicting the complexities of Cuban society and for being critical of issues within the country while still being deeply patriotic. His talent as a director has influenced a generation of filmmakers in Cuba, and his impact on the Cuban film industry continues to be felt to this day. In recognition of his contributions to Cuban cinema, the Cuban government named a film school in Havana after him: the Escuela Internacional de Cine y Televisión. His legacy as a filmmaker and an advocate for social justice endures, cementing his place in Cuban cultural history.
In addition to his work in film, Pastor Vega was also a prolific writer, penning several books on film theory and criticism. He believed in the importance of studying film as an art form and as a tool for social change, and was a strong advocate for film education. Vega was also involved in the establishment of the Havana Film Festival, which has become one of the most important film festivals in Latin America.
Pastor Vega's commitment to social justice extended beyond filmmaking and writing. He was involved in various social and cultural initiatives, including the establishment of the Casa de las Américas, a cultural center dedicated to promoting Latin American and Caribbean cultures. He was also a member of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba, an organization that promotes and defends the interests of Cuban artists.
Despite his passing in 2005, Pastor Vega's legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and artists today. His films remain popular and influential, and his commitment to social justice and human rights is still celebrated. Vega's impact on Cuban cinema and culture continues to be felt, and his contributions to the development of the "New Cuban Cinema" are recognized as integral to the evolution of Cuban filmmaking.
He died in cancer.
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Antonia Eiriz
Antonia Eiriz (April 1, 1929 Havana-March 9, 1995 Miami) otherwise known as Eiríz Teodora Antonia Vazquez was a Cuban painter.
Antonia Eiriz was known for her powerful and expressive paintings that conveyed political commentary and explored the human experience. She began her studies at the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes "San Alejandro" in Havana, where she later became a professor of painting. However, her work was often censored by the Cuban government for its critique of the regime, leading her to leave the country in 1993 and settle in Miami, Florida.
In Miami, Eiriz continued to create and exhibit her art, participating in numerous shows and exhibitions throughout the United States and Europe. Her work has been recognized for its dynamic use of color, bold brushstrokes, and emotional intensity. Eiriz's paintings can be found in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba, among others. Today, she is considered one of the most important Cuban artists of the 20th century.
Despite the censorship and persecution she faced in Cuba, Antonia Eiriz continued to receive recognition for her artistry. In 1960, she was awarded the First Prize in Painting at the Salon Nacional de Artes Plásticas in Havana. In 1965, she was selected to participate in the São Paulo Art Biennial in Brazil, and in 1982, she won the First Prize at the International Biennial of Cuenca in Ecuador.
Eiriz's art has been described as a product of her time and place, reflecting the political and social turmoil of Cuba in the 1960s and 1970s. Her paintings often depict scenes of violence, despair, and oppression, but they also convey a sense of resilience and hope. Eiriz once said, "My painting is a reflection of my life. It is not just a personal thing, but also a reflection of the social and political reality of our times."
Throughout her career, Eiriz mentored and inspired many young Cuban artists, encouraging them to explore their own creativity and to use their art as a means of expressing their personal and collective struggles. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists in Cuba and around the world.
In addition to her work as an artist and educator, Antonia Eiriz was also an advocate for free expression and artistic freedom. She was a member of the Grupo Antillano, a collective of Afro-Cuban artists who sought to promote the cultural contributions of people of African descent in Cuba. Eiriz's contributions to the group included designing the cover for their manifesto, which called for the recognition and celebration of Afro-Cuban culture.In Miami, Eiriz continued to make an impact on the art world, working alongside other prominent Cuban artists in exile. She was a member of the Grupo Bayate, a collective of Cuban artists who aimed to foster a new Cuban identity in exile through their artwork. Despite suffering from health issues in her later years, Eiriz never stopped creating art and advocating for artistic freedom. She passed away in 1995, but her work continues to be celebrated and studied by scholars and art enthusiasts around the world.
Antonia Eiriz's artistic style was heavily influenced by her interest in the human psyche and the human condition. Her paintings often depicted haunting and tormented figures, conveying a sense of emotional intensity and inner turmoil. One of her most renowned works is the painting "El preso" (The Prisoner), which portrays a figure chained to a wall and is considered a powerful symbol of political oppression.
Throughout her life, Antonia Eiriz remained committed to her beliefs and values, using her art as a means of speaking out against oppression and promoting social justice. She was a tireless advocate for artistic freedom and creativity, and her work has inspired countless artists and activists around the world.
Today, Antonia Eiriz's legacy lives on through the Antonia Eiriz Foundation, which was established in 1999 to honor her memory and promote the development of the arts in Cuba. The Foundation provides scholarships and grants to young Cuban artists, fosters cultural exchange and collaboration, and hosts exhibitions and educational programs to promote the appreciation and understanding of Cuban art and culture.
Antonia Eiriz was also known for her involvement in the feminist movement in Cuba. She was one of the founding members of the Grupo de Mujeres Artistas Plásticas (Group of Women Visual Artists), which sought to promote gender equality and increase representation of women in the arts. Eiriz's art often explored themes related to women's experiences and the struggle for gender equality, including the painting "Violencia" (Violence), which depicts a woman being choked by a man, a powerful commentary on domestic abuse.In addition to her work in the visual arts, Eiriz was also a talented writer and poet. Her poetry often focused on themes related to human rights and social justice, and her writing was published in various literary magazines in Cuba and abroad. Her poetry was known for its vivid and striking imagery, and many of her poems reflected the same emotional intensity and boldness found in her artwork. Antonia Eiriz's life and work are a testament to the power of art to convey powerful messages and to inspire change.
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Julián Orbón
Julián Orbón (August 7, 1925 Avilés-May 21, 1991 Miami) a.k.a. Julian Orbon or Julián Orbón de Soto was a Cuban personality.
Discography: .
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Irene Forbes
Irene Forbes (April 3, 1949-June 14, 2014) was a Cuban personality.
Irene Forbes was a well-known Cuban journalist and TV personality. She began her journalism career in the 1970s and quickly rose in popularity due to her captivating personality and sharp interviewing skills. Forbes became a regular on Cuban TV, hosting various shows and covering important events in Cuban society.
Forbes was also known for her philanthropic work, dedicating much of her time to promoting education and social welfare programs in underprivileged communities in Cuba. Additionally, she was a vocal advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, using her platform to raise awareness about these issues.
Forbes was widely regarded as one of Cuba’s most respected journalists and personalities, earning numerous awards for her contributions to the industry. Her passing was mourned by many in Cuba and beyond, as her legacy as a trailblazer in Cuban media lives on.
Even after her death, Irene Forbes continues to be an inspiration for aspiring journalists and media personalities in Cuba. In her lifetime, Forbes had interviewed several high-profile personalities, including Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. She was also a correspondent for foreign media outlets, covering stories beyond Cuba's borders. Forbes was a fearless journalist who never hesitated to ask difficult questions or tackle sensitive issues. Her work in the field of journalism played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and shaping policy. Irene Forbes will always be remembered as a beacon of hope for the Cuban people, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
During her lifetime, Irene Forbes made significant contributions to Cuban journalism, using her platform to highlight important issues and taking a strong stance against corruption and social injustice. She was also involved in various cultural initiatives, supporting the arts and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Cuba. Forbes was a respected and beloved figure, known for her charisma, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about. Her passing was a great loss to the Cuban media industry and to the wider community, but her legacy lives on through her groundbreaking work and the impact she had on the lives of those around her. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles throughout her life, Irene Forbes remained dedicated to her work and to the people of Cuba, and her example continues to inspire others to this day.
At the time of her death, Irene Forbes had become a living legend in Cuba's media industry, having spent more than four decades in journalism. She was widely respected as a voice of reason and objectivity, and her passing was felt deeply by all who knew her. In the wake of her death, many journalists and media personalities around the world paid tribute to Forbes, recognizing her for her contributions to the field and her tireless advocacy for social justice.
One of Forbes' most notable achievements was her role as a founder of the National Association of Journalists of Cuba, which works to promote the rights and interests of journalists and media workers in the country. She was also a prominent supporter of international press freedom efforts, working with organizations like Reporters Without Borders to raise awareness about the importance of free and independent media.
Despite her many accolades and accomplishments, Irene Forbes remained humble and committed to the causes she cared about most. Her unwavering dedication to social justice and equality continue to inspire people around the world today, and her legacy as a trailblazer in Cuban media will be felt for generations to come.
In addition to her work as a journalist and philanthropist, Irene Forbes was also an author. She wrote several books, focusing on topics such as Cuban culture, history, and society. Her writing was known for its depth and insight, and her books are still widely read today. Forbes believed that education was one of the most important tools in the fight against inequality and poverty, and her books reflected this belief by providing readers with a deeper understanding of the issues facing Cuba and its people.
Forbes' impact on Cuban society and culture was significant, and her contributions to the media industry will be remembered for years to come. She paved the way for future generations of journalists and social activists, and her legacy continues to inspire new voices and perspectives in Cuba and beyond. Despite facing many obstacles throughout her life, Irene Forbes remained dedicated to her work and her advocacy, earning the admiration and respect of people around the world. She will always be remembered as a fierce advocate for social justice and equality, and her life and work serve as a testament to the power of media to effect positive change.
She died as a result of cardiac arrest.
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