Perhaps because he brought us so much joy, because he gave himself so freely to others, because he was so self-assured, because of his smile and the courage with which he walked the world, it is hard for us to believe that Maestro José Luis Cortés has left us, at 70 years of age, radiating eternal youth.
"El Tosco is dead," we hear people say, and it hurts. Cuba affectionately calls him a brute and will do so eternally, knowing that this son of our island was neither brutish nor coarse, and was happy to give Cuban music all of his extraordinary talent.
A founder of Los Van Van, a member of Irakere and director of the NG La Banda, since its foundation, José Luis Cortés lived not only to create, but also to teach. Sharing his knowledge was for him an imperative, part his jovial, but never frivolous character.
Precursor of the timba genre and considered one of the creators of Cuba's new school of flute in popular music, José Luis Cortés was awarded the 2017 National Prize for Music.
His departure is mourned by the music world and his country, to which he offered unforgettable hours of joy, delivering art with a personal stamp Cuba will not forget. Goodbye, José Luis Cortés, always renewing himself. Immense. One of our own.
