Juan Formell | |
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Juan Formell in 2013.
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Background information | |
Birth name | Juan Clímaco Formell Cortina |
Born |
Havana, Cuba |
August 2, 1942
Died | May 1, 2014 Havana, Cuba |
(aged 71)
Genres | Salsa music |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, composer, arranger |
Instruments | Bass |
Years active | 1957–2014 |
Associated acts | Los Van Van |
Juan Formell (August 2, 1942 – May 1, 2014) was a Cuban bassist, composer, and arranger, best known as the director of Los Van Van. He was a creator of popular danceable music and credited with bringing electronic instrumentation into the Cuban musical form.
His full name was Juan Clímaco (John Climacus).
His professional activity started in 1957 as musician of cabarets orchestras, radio and television. In 1959 he worked as bassist of Musical Band of Revolutionary Police. He died at the age of 71 in 2014.
In 1999, Juan Formell received a Grammy Award (Latin/Best Salsa Performance) for his work on the album "Llegó... Van Van - Van Van Is Here", recorded at Abdala Studios.