The musician Julio Eladio Noroña Cruz, founder of The Van Van and one of the essential names of an orchestra that unites several generations of Cubans, died this Wednesday at the age of 85.
This was reported by the group itself in a disseminated note on his social networks, in which he highlighted the artist as “a true legend in the history of Cuban music.”
“With deep pain and a broken heart, Los Van Van inform us of the death of maestro Julio Noroña,” wrote the group, which highlighted his legacy as a percussionist, his work discipline and his decisive contribution in the history of the so-called “Tren de Cuba.”
For Los Van Van, Noroña was more than a musician: “uncle, father, loyal friend and example of dedication,” the statement says.
Noroña participated in the founding years of the group and contributed to the rhythmic stamp that characterized Los Van Van since the late sixties.
The musician remained active for decades, even in his old age, as a stable and respected presence within the Vanvanera family.
The band stressed that its mark is “deep, indelible and eternal,” and that it will continue to accompany each performance of the group.
The death of Noroña, known as “El Rey del Güiro”, has motivated numerous messages of condolence from other artists and followers of Los Van Van, who highlight his contribution to Cuban popular music and, in particular, to the orchestra to which he dedicated much of his life.
Until the time of publishing this note, the cause of Julio Noroña’s death had not been reported. Nor had any details been announced about his funeral or a possible public farewell to him.
