Vallenato legend Egidio Cuadrado, longtime accordionist for Carlos Vives, has passed away at the age of 71 due to complications from pneumonia. Learn more about his legacy in Colombian music.
Egidio Cuadrado, a legendary figure in Colombia’s vallenato music scene and longtime accordionist for Carlos Vives, has passed away at the age of 71. Cuadrado died on Monday (Oct. 21) in Bogota due to complications related to pneumonia, according to an official statement from La Clínica Universitaria Colombia.
Egidio Cuadrado Passes Away at Age 71
The passing of Egidio Cuadrado has left a profound impact on the Colombian music world. Known for his unparalleled skill with the accordion, Cuadrado was an essential part of Vives’ tropical orchestra, La Provincia, since the early 1990s. “With deep sorrow, the Clínica Universitaria Colombia wishes to inform the public that vallenato artist Egidio Cuadrado has passed away in our institution,” the hospital’s official statement read.
Carlos Vives, his longtime collaborator and friend, expressed his grief in a heartfelt statement: “Egidio Cuadrado, the same one who never left his vueltiao hat, his Arhuaca backpack, and his 12 accordions, will remain forever in our hearts,” Vives shared with Billboard.
Cuadrado’s Role in Shaping Colombian Music with Carlos Vives
Born in Villanueva, La Guajira, Cuadrado began playing the accordion at the age of six. Over the course of his career, he became one of the most respected vallenato musicians in the world. His artistry was key to some of Vives’ biggest albums, including La Tierra del Olvido in 1995, which introduced the world to the vibrant blend of vallenato and contemporary pop-rock known as tropipop.
Cuadrado’s ability to infuse traditional Colombian folk music with modern elements helped bring vallenato to a global audience, making him a cornerstone of the genre. His accordion playing became synonymous with the sound of Colombian identity, as he and Vives pushed the boundaries of vallenato music.
A Lasting Legacy in Colombian Folk Music
Cuadrado’s contributions to vallenato and Colombian folk music went beyond his work with Vives. In 2021, the Latin Recording Academy honored him with the Trustees Award, recognizing his significant impact on Latin music. Upon receiving the award, Cuadrado expressed gratitude to his fans and the Latin Grammys: “An artist is made by his audience... to Latin Grammys for reminding us today of the importance of our local music and our Colombian identity.”
Earlier this year, Cuadrado also played a central role in Vives’ Regreso a Escalona documentary, which celebrated the enduring influence of vallenato music.
Carlos Vives Pays Tribute to His Longtime Collaborator
In his tribute, Carlos Vives highlighted Cuadrado’s warmth and generosity, both in his music and his relationships with others. “With his accordion, he wove melodies that resonated throughout the world, creating a bond between generations,” Vives said. He noted how Cuadrado’s music could transform any gathering into a celebration of Colombian culture, bringing people together with the sound of his accordion.
Vives’ statement echoed the sentiments of many who knew Cuadrado personally, as he remembered the musician not only for his talent but also for his infectious smile and affectionate nature.
Cuadrado’s Artistic Journey: From Villanueva to International Fame
Cuadrado’s journey as a musician began in the rural town of Villanueva, La Guajira, where he mastered the accordion at a young age. By the early 1990s, he had become an integral part of Vives’ band La Provincia, helping to craft the tropipop sound that defined Vives’ music and brought Colombian folk traditions to a global audience.
Cuadrado’s work on albums like La Tierra del Olvido and Clásicos de la Provincia solidified his reputation as one of the foremost accordion players in the vallenato tradition. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional rhythms with modern influences helped to elevate vallenato to new heights.
The Latin Recording Academy Honors Egidio Cuadrado
In 2021, Cuadrado was honored with the Latin Recording Academy’s Trustees Award, a prestigious recognition given to individuals who have made substantial contributions to Latin music. Cuadrado’s award was a testament to his enduring influence in the industry, as he helped shape the sound of Colombian music over the past three decades.
Upon receiving the award, Cuadrado shared his deep connection to his instrument: “My accordion, my first friend and an extension of my body,” he wrote on Instagram. This deep bond with his instrument was evident in every performance, as Cuadrado’s playing brought to life the soul of vallenato music.
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