About Juan Formell
Lived 1942 – 2014 (aged 71). Juan Formell was a Cuban bandleader, composer, music arranger, singer and bassist.
Juan Climaco Formell Cortina (2 August 1942 – 1 May 2014) was a Cuban bassist, composer, and arranger, best known as the director of Los Van Van. He was a creator of popular danceable music and credited with bringing electronic instrumentation into the Cuban musical form.
His full name was Juan Clímaco (John Climacus) Formell Cortina.
His professional activity started in 1957 as musician of cabaret orchestras, radio and television. In 1959 he worked as bassist of Musical Band of Revolutionary Police. He died of liver disease at the age of 71 in 2014.
Awards In 1999, Juan Formell received a Grammy Award (Latin/Best Salsa Performance) for his work on the album "Llegó... Van Van – Van Van Is Here", recorded at Abdala Studios.
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Important facts
People in Juan Formell's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Juan Formell?
Cuban musician (1942–2014)
When was Juan Formell born?
Juan Formell was born on 2 August 1942 in Cuba.
When did Juan Formell die?
Juan Formell died on 1 May 2014 in Havana.
What was Juan Formell's occupation?
Juan Formell was a bandleader, composer, music arranger, singer and bassist.
What nationality was Juan Formell?
Juan Formell was Cuban.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Juan Formell. https://biography.guide/juan-formell/
MLA: "Juan Formell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/juan-formell/.
Chicago: "Juan Formell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/juan-formell/.
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