Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)

Subject: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 07 Aug 05 - 05:07 PM

I've just read that Ibrahim Ferrer, of 'Buena Vista Social Club' fame, has died aged 78, right after a successful European tour. I can't claim Cuban music as one of my interests, but a few years back I happened to see Ry Cooder's film and was very impressed with the musicians he portrayed, particularly Ruben Gonzalez, Compay Segundo and Ibrahim Ferrer. These old men were so entertaining and inspiring, not just through their music but in their whole outlook on (a materially pretty deprived) life, it was a marvel. Good for them they were able to enjoy a few years of fame that matched their musical abilities! RIP, Ibrahim.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer
From: Deskjet
Date: 07 Aug 05 - 07:15 PM

Great singer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer
From: Azizi
Date: 07 Aug 05 - 07:21 PM

I had the pleasure of seeing the Buena Vista Social Club on television. I also was priviledged to see another videotape by an independent producer that featured Ibrahim Ferrer and other Cuban musicans, sngers, and dancers.

My condolences to Mr Ferrer's family. It's too bad that politics on both sides blocked the expression and wide dissemination of his great talent.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer
From: open mike
Date: 07 Aug 05 - 08:08 PM

Oh, too bad. I just heard his voice (recorded) on the radio last night
as the American Roots show had a special on Ry Cooder. They played one
of Ibrahim's well-known songs from Buena Vista Social Club.

http://www.americanroutes.org/--archived sound bytes of Buena Vista

biographies here: www.pbs.org/buenavista/musicians/

obit here:http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1743592005

http://www.suntimes.com/output/music/cst-nws-xferr07.html

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 07 Aug 05 - 09:19 PM

Of the performers on the Buena Vista Social Club film, Ferrer was the one who caught my attention. He had a twinkle in his eye, and seemed like the kind of person I'd like ot have for a friend. Here's an obituary report:

Ibrahim Ferrer dies at 78

David Teather in New York
Monday August 8, 2005
The Guardian

Ibrahim Ferrer, who achieved fame late in life as the singer of the Buena Vista Social Club, died on Saturday in Havana at the age of 78.

Ferrer, known for his trademark cap and greying moustache, was a devotee of traditional styles of Cuban music such as "son" and bolero. He appeared destined to become a musician, having been born at a social club dance in 1927 after his mother went into labour unexpectedly.

He started singing at the age of 14, and by the late 1950s was a well-known performer. But by the 1990s he was scraping by on a meagre state pension, supplementing his income by shining shoes.

Then everything changed. In 1997, Ferrer was one of a group of musicians brought together by the Texas guitarist Ry Cooder to record the Buena Vista Social Club album.

The project was a huge success, earning the band a Grammy and worldwide acclaim. A documentary of the same name, directed by Wim Wenders, won an Oscar nomination.

Ferrer released two solo albums and won several more awards, including a Latin Grammy in 2000 for best new artist - at the age of 72.

Buena Vista guitarist, Manuel Galban, said of the famously mild-mannered Ferrer: "I felt like he was my brother. He was a great musician and a great companion."

Ferrer's manager, Daniel Florestan, said the singer had died of multiple organ failure after returning from a month-long European tour on Wednesday.

Despite his fading health, Ferrer, who had suffered from emphysema, had continued to perform.

His wife, Caridad Diaz, said she was "deeply affected" by his death. She told the Associated Press: "He was a very worthy person; to be admired, not only as a musician, but also as a father and a husband".

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Aug 05 - 10:08 PM

I, too, really enjoyed the Buena Vista Social Club and really respected them, but esp. Ferrer. You're right, Joe, he had a *twinkle* that just shone!

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: Amos
Date: 07 Aug 05 - 11:23 PM

HE was the real star of that movie, no mistake, and I only regret I dod not get to see him perform before he died. Ry Cooder sure did the world a favor.

A

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: number 6
Date: 07 Aug 05 - 11:27 PM

Amos ... Ry Cooder certainly did the world a favour with that movie.

It's very Sad news indeed.

sIx

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: GUEST,Shanghaiceltic
Date: 08 Aug 05 - 12:44 AM

The Buena Vista Social Club album is one of my non trad favourites. Sad to say I have never had a chance to see the film. He was a magic singer.

It brought a smile to my face when he and the band were awarded their Grammy under the Best New Act section. All of them were over 60 I believe.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: open mike
Date: 08 Aug 05 - 01:02 AM

HAS ANY ONE CHECKED OUT THE LINK I POSTED TO AMERICAN ROUTES SHOW/
THERE IS A CUTE RADIO STATION I.D. FROM IBRAHIM THERE AND SEVERAL
OF HIS SONGS.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 08 Aug 05 - 05:09 PM

Shangahiceltic, try and see the film some time! It's unique. By Wim Wenders, incidentally, though Ry Cooder was indeed responsible for the music and for finding these guys in the first place.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: mooman
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 04:15 AM

A sad loss indeed.

May he rest in peace.

moo

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: Flash Company
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 06:25 AM

Found Ibrahim and his fellows the most amazing artists, Didn't understand a word of their lyrics, but what the hell, I don't understand some of Bob Dylan's lyrics either, and he's singing in english.
A beautiful voice and a sad loss.

FC

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: PoppaGator
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 02:22 PM

What a great singer he was! I believe that, somewhere in the movie, Ibrahim is referred to as "the Cuban Nat King Cole," a pretty apt comparison.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: GUEST,Steve Parkes
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 02:44 PM

What a shame. There's one twinkle fewer in the world.

Steve

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: GUEST,Whistle Stop
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 02:57 PM

Ibrahim Ferrer was a great musician, a great singer, and a great personality. I loved him in Buena Vista Social Club, and bought both of the solo discs he released since then. I listen to them frequently, and they always bring a smile.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 03:50 PM

It is a shame that the 'Good 'Ole US' saw fit to NOT allow him a visa to collect any awards !!

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: open mike
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 06:01 PM

http://www.axisoflogic.com/cgi-bin/exec/view.pl?archive=43&num=5219

as did the Spanish guitarist Paco de Lucia...

http://indyweek.com/durham/2004-09-15/cover4.html

Until very recently, Cuban exiles living in countries like Spain or Canada haven't had trouble at our border, but that too appears to be changing. Cuban-born Alain Perez is the bass player with Paco de Lucia, but the Spanish flamenco guitar giant threatened to cancel his U.S. tour earlier this year because Perez, a resident of Spain, almost didn't get a visa. Booking agents were finally able to work around the delays, allowing audiences like the sold out one in Duke's Page Auditorium to be wowed by Paco, Perez and company.

i believe Perez's appearance at a university near here was cancelled.

i should start a new thread rather than putting this in Ibrahaim's
obit thread, but what Terry said is exactly right. sad.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ibrahim Ferrer (6 August 2005)
From: shepherdlass
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 07:14 PM

Sad news indeed. Somehow, his lovely singing was still like a new discovery, so much so that it was easy to forget that his age would probably take him away quite soon.