In Memoriam
Ibrahim Ferrer
February 20, 1927 – August 6, 2005 · aged 78
Son Cubano · Latin
Ibrahim Ferrer's life story is one of the most heartwarming late-in-life comebacks in musical history. Born in Cuba in 1927, Ferrer was a talented singer who performed with various orchestras in Havana during the 1950s. However, as musical tastes changed following the Cuban Revolution, his career faded, and he ended up shining shoes and selling lottery tickets to survive. In 1996, at the age of 70, he was approached by American guitarist Ry Cooder to participate in the 'Buena Vista Social Club' recording sessions. Ferrer's remarkably sweet, soaring tenor voice became the heart of the project. The album became a phenomenal global success, reviving traditional Cuban music and turning Ferrer into an international superstar in the twilight of his life. He won multiple Grammy Awards and toured the world until his death on August 6, 2005, at age 78. He proved that true talent is entirely ageless.
Milestones
Buena Vista Social Club, Dos Gardenias, Candela
Also remembered in 2005
- Chris LeDoux (1948–2005)
- Johnnie Johnson (1924–2005)
- Link Wray (1929–2005)
- Luther Vandross (1951–2005)