Cuban music stars who deceased at age 78
Here are 6 famous musicians from Cuba died at 78:
Kid Chocolate
Kid Chocolate (January 6, 1910 Havana-August 8, 1988 Cuba) also known as Eligio Sardiñas Montalvo was a Cuban professional boxer.
He competed professionally from 1927 to 1938 and held the world featherweight and junior lightweight titles simultaneously, making him the first Cuban and Latin American boxer to accomplish this feat. Kid Chocolate was known for his quick hands, hard punch, and flashy fighting style, which made him a fan favorite. After retiring from boxing, he returned to Cuba where he became a trainer and mentor to many aspiring boxers. In 1972, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Kid Chocolate had a difficult childhood as he grew up in poverty and had to sell newspapers to support his family. However, he found solace in boxing and began training at a local gym. He turned professional at the age of 17 and quickly rose through the ranks. By the age of 20, he had won the Cuban featherweight title.
In 1931, Kid Chocolate traveled to New York City to fight for the world featherweight title against Benny Bass. He won the fight in a 15-round unanimous decision and became the first Cuban to hold a world boxing title. He went on to defend his title ten times before moving up in weight to win the same title in the junior lightweight division.
Despite his success, Kid Chocolate struggled to manage his fame and money. He was known for his extravagant lifestyle and spent his earnings quickly. He retired from boxing in 1938 after a loss to the legendary Henry Armstrong.
After returning to Cuba, Kid Chocolate dedicated himself to mentoring young boxers and promoting the sport in his country. He also worked as a night club owner and a radio show host. Despite his financial troubles, he remained a beloved figure in Cuba until his death in 1988.
Kid Chocolate's legacy lives on, and he is remembered as one of the greatest boxers of all time. In addition to his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, he was also honored with a statue in his hometown of Havana.
Kid Chocolate's fighting style influenced many boxers that came after him, such as Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali. He was also known for breaking race barriers in the sport, as he faced and defeated white opponents during a time when segregation was still prevalent.
In addition to his success inside the ring, Kid Chocolate was also celebrated for his charisma and fashion sense. He often wore colorful robes and trunks during his fights and was known for his dapper style outside of the ring. His popularity extended beyond the boxing world, as he was a regular fixture in the New York City nightlife scene during his fighting days.
Despite the challenges he faced in his personal life, Kid Chocolate remained a beloved figure in Cuba and beyond. His legacy continues to inspire boxers and fans of the sport today.
Read more about Kid Chocolate on Wikipedia »
Ysrael Seinuk
Ysrael Seinuk (December 21, 1931 Havana-September 14, 2010 New York City) was a Cuban structural engineer.
He is widely known for his contributions to the structural design of high-rise buildings. Seinuk graduated from the University of Havana in 1955 before moving to New York City in the late 1960s. He founded his own engineering firm, Ysrael Seinuk, P.C., in 1981, which quickly became a top structural engineering firm known for its innovative and efficient designs. Seinuk's notable projects include the Trump International Hotel and Tower, the Citigroup Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott. He was also a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and served on the board of the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations. Seinuk was admired and respected by his peers and is considered a legend in the field of structural engineering.
Furthermore, Seinuk was also recognized as a pioneer for his use of computer-aided design in structural engineering. He was one of the first engineers to integrate computers into the design process, which allowed for more precise calculations and quicker turnaround times. Seinuk was also committed to mentoring new engineers and encouraging diversity within the field. He served as a visiting professor at several universities and was a member of the board of trustees at his alma mater, the University of Havana. Seinuk was awarded numerous accolades for his work, including the American Institute of Architects' Presidential Citation and the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of Havana. Seinuk's legacy continues to inspire and influence the field of structural engineering to this day.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ysrael Seinuk was known for his philanthropy and community involvement. He was a strong advocate for education and served on the board of several educational organizations, including the New York City-based Cristo Rey High School. Seinuk was also actively involved in supporting the Cuban-American community, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which devastated many neighborhoods in Miami's Little Havana. Seinuk's firm donated its engineering services to help rebuild homes and businesses in the affected areas. Seinuk was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to both the engineering profession and his community. In 1997, he was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society. Seinuk passed away in 2010 at the age of 78, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a brilliant engineer and a dedicated community leader.
Read more about Ysrael Seinuk on Wikipedia »
Laurel Aitken
Laurel Aitken (April 22, 1927 Cuba-July 17, 2005 Leicester) also known as Laurel Aitkens, Lorenzo Aitken, Aitken, Laurel, Oliver Stephens or Godfather of Ska was a Cuban musician and singer.
Discography: Live at Club Ska, Rise & Fall / It's Too Late, Rudi Got Married, The Pama Years, The Pioneer of Jamaican Music, Woppi King, Godfather of Ska, Volume 3, The Blue Beat Years, En Español and Ringo the Gringo. His related genres: Reggae, Ska and Rocksteady.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Read more about Laurel Aitken on Wikipedia »
Ibrahim Ferrer
Ibrahim Ferrer (February 20, 1927 San Luis-August 6, 2005 Havana) a.k.a. Ibrahim Ferrer & Buena Vista Social Club, Ferrer, Ibrahim, Ferrer, Ibrahím, Ibrahím Ferrer or Ibrahim Ferrer Planas was a Cuban singer.
His albums: Buena Vista Social Club presents Ibrahim Ferrer, ¡Que Bueno Está!, La Colección Cubana, Buenos Hermanos, Mi Oriente, con Chepin Y Su Orquesta Oriental, Toda una vida, Chepín y su Orquesta Oriental, Mi Sueño, and . Genres related to him: Son and Bolero.
Read more about Ibrahim Ferrer on Wikipedia »
Antonio María Romeu
Antonio María Romeu (September 11, 1876 Jibacoa-January 18, 1955) was a Cuban pianist and composer.
His albums include .
Read more about Antonio María Romeu on Wikipedia »
Blas Roca Calderio
Blas Roca Calderio (July 24, 1908 Manzanillo-April 25, 1987) was a Cuban personality. He had one child, Vladimiro Roca.
Blas Roca Calderio was a prominent Cuban Communist leader, who served in various positions within the Communist Party of Cuba throughout his career. He played a key role in the Cuban Revolution and became the Secretary General of the Communist Party in 1965. He also served as a member of the National Assembly and was recognized for his contributions to the development of socialist policies in Cuba. Roca was an active participant in the international communist movement and maintained close ties with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev during the Cold War. Despite his dedication to Marxist ideology, Roca was known for his affable personality and his ability to forge strong relationships with people from all walks of life.
Roca was born into a working-class family in the city of Manzanillo, and from a young age, he became involved in political activities. In the 1930s, he joined the Cuban Communist Party and became a leader of the youth wing of the party. Roca played an instrumental role in the overthrow of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista and the subsequent rise of Fidel Castro to power. He held several important positions in the Communist Party, including editor of the party newspaper, and he was also involved in cultural activities, such as directing plays and organizing exhibitions.
During his tenure as Secretary General of the Communist Party, Roca was known for promoting the idea of "revolutionary democracy," which emphasized the importance of popular participation in decision making. He was also a strong advocate of social justice and equality, and he worked to improve conditions for the working class and the peasantry.
Despite his popularity among party members, Roca fell out of favor with the Cuban government in the 1970s and was removed from his leadership position. He continued to be active in political and cultural circles, however, and remained committed to his socialist ideals until his death in 1987.
Today, Blas Roca Calderio is remembered as one of the most influential Marxist thinkers in Cuba's history, and his legacy continues to inspire social activists and revolutionaries around the world.
In addition to his political activities, Blas Roca Calderio was also a prolific writer and intellectual. He authored numerous books and articles on topics such as Marxist theory, Cuban history, and revolutionary politics. One of his most well-known works was "The Cuban Revolution: A Critical Perspective," which provided a detailed analysis of the events and social conditions that led to the overthrow of Batista and the rise of Castro.
Roca was also known for his contributions to the field of Cuban culture. He played a key role in the founding of the Casa de las Americas, a cultural organization that aimed to promote Latin American literature and art. He also directed several plays and organized art exhibitions that showcased the talent of Cuban artists.
Despite his dedication to socialist ideals, Roca was known for his pragmatic approach to politics. He was willing to work with individuals and groups outside of the Communist Party, including Catholics and other religious organizations, in order to advance the cause of social justice and equality.
In his later years, Roca remained committed to his socialist ideals, but also became critical of some aspects of the Cuban government's policies. He advocated for greater political freedom and democratic participation, and was vocal in his disagreement with the government's handling of certain economic and social issues.
Today, Blas Roca Calderio's legacy continues to inspire social and political activists in Cuba and beyond. His ideas and writings are studied by scholars and students of Marxist philosophy and Cuban history, and his vision of a more just and equal society remains a powerful influence on those who seek to create a better world.
Read more about Blas Roca Calderio on Wikipedia »