The Puerto Rico-born singer passed away on 5 August (15) at his home in Miami, Florida. His death came just two days after he underwent surgery to treat bacteria detected during a hip replacement operation in May (15).

The surgery earlier this year (15) was to replace the hip he was given in 1972 after he and his band La Selecta were involved in a car crash that cost driver and bandmate Luisito Maisonet his life.

Leavitt founded the salsa orchestra in 1971 and composed and arranged songs for the group, and played piano.

Over the past four decades, La Selecta have enjoyed success with hits such as Payaso, Amor & Paz and La Cuna Blanca. They were in the process of recording their next album when Leavitt passed away.