Joe Cuba, 'Father of Boogaloo,' dies at 78 : On line video tribute and

Published 9 months ago

Salsa pioneer Joe Cuba, who was born the son of a Harlem candy-store owner and grew up to become the "Father of Latin Boogaloo," died Sunday. He was 78. Cuba died at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan from complications of a bacterial... more

Salsa pioneer Joe Cuba, who was born the son of a Harlem candy-store owner and grew up to become the "Father of Latin Boogaloo," died Sunday. He was 78. Cuba died at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan from complications of a bacterial infection, said Cheo Feliciano, a friend and member of the Joe Cuba Sextet. His death came a day after doctors disconnected him from life support, Feliciano said. A conga player and band leader, Cuba was a protege of Tito Puente. He and his band made a splash during the "boogaloo" craze of the 1960s with a string of hits including "Bang Bang" and "El Pito." Cuba described his music, inspired by life in East Harlem's El Barrio, as having an "R&B feel with Latin rhythms." less

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