According to the Associated Press, “Lalo” Rodrguez, a Puerto Rican salsa musician who was a former member of Eddie Palmieri’s band, died on Tuesday at the age of 64, as stated by local authorities.
The AP reports that the “Ven, devórame otra vez” singer was discovered dead in a public housing complex in the U.S. territory. AP claimed that there were no evident evidence of violence on Rodrguez’s body, however the cause of death is still unknown.
Born Ubaldo Rodrguez Santos in 1958, the singer began his career as a child, performing at local events and festivals and on radio and television.
In 1973, as a youngster, he joined Palmieri’s band, where he adopted the stage name “Lalo.” The salsero sang on Palmieri’s album “Sun of Latin Music,” which won the first-ever Grammy for a Latin album in 1976.
After leaving the band, Rodriguez had a successful solo career as a music producer until the late 2000s.
FILE — Lalo Rodriguez attends as one of recipients of ‘Dia Nacional de la Zalza’ press conference on March 10, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Gladys Vega / Getty Images Contributor
According to the AP, while the salsero made his impact in the music industry, he suffered with drugs and alcohol in his personal life and was previously charged with cocaine possession.
Several notable members of the Puerto Rican community and the salsa music industry paid tribute to the late Rodrguez on social media.
Eddie Palmieri, a musician, described his former bandmate as “a giant in so many ways.”
“I learned of Lalo Rodrguez’s passing with profound sorrow,” Palmieri wrote. I do not need to tell you how important he has been to me, our music and culture, and the global community.
The Grammy-winning salsa band Grupo Niche described Rodrguez on Twitter as “one of the most famous salsa voices in the world.”
The organization wrote, “Much fortitude for his family, followers, and friends.”
Elvis Crespo paid tribute to Rodrguez by tweeting that he possessed “one of the most beautiful voices my ears have ever heard and will ever hear.”
“His particular timbre, tone and strength made his song immortal,” Crespo said. My deepest condolences are extended to his family and followers.
Benjamn Torres Gotay, a journalist, described the Grammy-winning musician’s legacy as “immortal.”
“He will live on forever through ‘Devórame otra vez,’ ‘Máximo Chamorro,’ and ‘Deseo salvaje,’ as well as several other works,” stated Gotay. Today marks the end of a true legend.
»“Lalo” Rodrguez, a Puerto Rican salsa performer, died at the age of 64«