Recording Academy Issues Statement on Passing of Juan Formell

Today, the Recording Academy and Latin Recording Academy issued a statement on the recent passing of musician Juan Formell of Los Van Van

GRAMMY winner and Latin Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Juan Formell was a true renaissance man who dedicated his life to music. An arranger, a bandleader, a bass player, a composer, a producer, a singer and a songwriter, he founded the groundbreaking group Los Van Van, which would become one of the most important and influential bands in the history of Cuban music.

Creating a new genre-bending musical style called 'songo,' Formell and Los Van Van would go on to record and perform for more than four decades, becoming the most widely known Cuban group in the world and solidifying their place in music history. Our music community has lost one of its greatest treasures, but his legacy leaves an indelible mark that will continue to teach and inspire future generations.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, his friends, the people of Cuba, and all the world citizens who grooved to his infectious rhythms.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy®

Gabriel Abaroa
President/CEO
The Latin Recording Academy®

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