MAMBO MAN LOPEZ DIES

Legendary mambo pioneer ISRAEL 'CACHAO' LOPEZ has died at the age of 89. The Cuban-born jazz musician and composer - who fled his homeland to ply his trade in America in the early 1960s - fell ill last week (ends21Mar08) before passing away peacefully in a Florida hospital, surrounded by family. Israel and his brother, multi-instrumentalist Orestes Lopez, created the mambo by accident during an experimental music session in the late 1930s. In 2003, Lopez, who played the bass, was honoured with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame and he won a Grammy award in 2004 for his album Agora Si. Hollywood star Andy Garcia - who made a documentary about the performer/composer in 1993 - led the tributes to Lopez, describing him as the "musical father" of Cubans. He said in a statement, "He is revered by all who have come in contact with him and his music. Maestro... you have been my teacher and you took me in like a son. "I will continue to rejoice with your music and carry our traditions wherever I go, in your honour." A funeral will take place for the star on Wednesday (26Mar08).