Cesar Pedroso, a Cuban musician, died on July 17, 2022, at the age of 75. Pedroso rose to prominence via his work with Orquesta Reve and as a founding member of the music ensemble Los Van Van. He penned many of Van Van’s hit songs, including Calla Calla and Seis Semanas.
In a Facebook post, the Cuban Union of Writers and Artists paid respect to him:
“From the UNEAC, we share the sadness caused by Cesar Pedroso’s death, Pupy.” Pianist, composer, and arranger. Member of our organization, co-founder of Los Van Van alongside Juan Formell, creator of several dance singles including That’s nice, Disco Azucar, La fruit, Temba, grave, timba, and El negro is cooking. Condolences to family and friends.”
Pedroso had been suffering from different cardiovascular difficulties before to his death and was sent to a hospital in Havana in May 2022. His funeral arrangements are still being finalized.
All About Cesar Pedroso
Cesar Pedroso was born on September 24, 1946, into a musical family in Cuba. His father, grandpa, uncle, and brother were all members of various musical ensembles. Cesar, too, was a member of a number of organizations during his career. He co-founded Los Van Van with bassist Juan Formell in 1969. He formed his own band, Pupy y Los que Son, Son, in 2001 and went on to release four albums with them in 2006.
He built his tone and break schemes with fresh lyrics and used classic son and salsa beats. Pedroso also produced a distinct and energetic sound within the new musical style, with distinctive handling of the tumbaos and extremely contemporary orchestrations that paved the way for a new Timba style. Pedroso is the author of almost 150 compositions, all of which have garnered excellent reviews from critics and audiences. He has also performed alongside Giovanni Hidalgo, Danilo Perez, Papo Luccas, Gonzalito Rubalcaba, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jose Alberto “El Canario,” and others.
Pedroso was lauded for his work with Los Van Van in addition to his solo efforts. The publication of their most successful album, Transito, in 1974 catapulted the group to fame. Anda, ven y muevete, published in 1984, contributed to their growing renown. Lionel Ritchie’s song All Night Long inspired the title tune.
Later, in 2011, the trio teamed with Carlinhos Brown on a song called Soy Loco por Ti, America for the Red Hot Organization’s album, Red Hot+Rio 2. The proceeds from the sales were contributed to raising awareness and funding for the battle against AIDS/HIV and other health and social causes. Pedroso’s early life, job, educational background, and parents have yet to be disclosed in detail.