Juana Bacallao, a famend Cuban singer and cabaret diva who nonetheless carried out till lately, has died. She was 98.
Bacallao died Saturday after spending a number of days at a hospital in Havana, in response to an announcement from Cuba’s Ministry of Tradition.
Officers didn’t say why she was hospitalized.
Bacallao was identified for her husky voice, risque character and being unpredictable, clad in wigs and indulgent costumes. She carried out on the famed Tropicana membership within the Forties and ’50s and sang alongside artists like Nat King Cole.
“I’ll by no means retire. I’ll solely cease as soon as loss of life has come for me,” she stated in a 2010 interview with The Related Press.
Born Neri Amelia Martinez Salazar, she was despatched to a Catholic boarding college after changing into orphaned at 6 years outdated.
She was found as a teen whereas singing as she cleaned properties and was given the moniker “Juana Bacallao,” changing into a sensation in Cuba’s cabaret scene.
Bacallao carried out with stars, together with singer and pianist Bola de Nieve, percussionist Chano Pozo and singer Benny Extra.
“I do know what life is — each poverty and wealth,” Bacallao advised the AP greater than a decade in the past. “That is my land. It’s the place I used to be born, and it’s the place I’ll die.”
Donate At Caribbean Information Service, we don’t cost for our content material and we wish to maintain it that method. We’re in search of help from people and organisations so we will
proceed our work & develop CNS additional.
