Recording Academy Issues Statement on Passing of Pianist Jose Lugo

Billboard reports that Puerto Rican pianist José Lugo has passed away at age 56. Along with performing with such salsa greats as Bobby Valentín, Lugo was the leader of his own band, Guasábara Combo. The group released its latest recording, Donde Están, earlier this year.

According to the report, Lugo died Sunday, June 12th following a long battle with cancer.

The Recording Academy and Latin Recording Academy has issued the following statement on his passing:

June 14, 2016

We are saddened to learn of the death of two-time GRAMMY® and two-time Latin GRAMMY® winner José Lugo. A talented pianist, arranger, and conductor, he was recognized for his innovative work in the salsa, merengue, and tropical music genres. As the director of Guasábara Combo, he worked side by side with other greats such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Isaac Delgado, and Bobby Valentín. We join the Puerto Rican music community in mourning the loss of this brilliant artist and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy

Gabriel Abaroa
President/CEO
The Latin Recording Academy

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