The celebrated visionary bandleader, composer, arranger and bassist of the legendary Cuban orchestra Los Van Van, Juan Formell would have celebrated his 78th birthday this past Sunday. I will be paying a tribute to Formell and Los Van Van during my 6 at 6 (pm) segment of “Sabiduria Con Tumbao” this Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 5 to 7 pm on WorldSalsaRadio.com.
Formell (pictured left), at a young age was introduced to music by his father, Francisco Formell who was a flautist. Juan studied the bass and music composition before his joined the bands of Pedro Justiz “Peruchin”, Guillermo Rubalcaba and Carlos Faxas. He later composed music for Cuban diva Elena Burke (who was part of the female Trio De Aida). However, the most significant achievement in his young career was when he joined Orquesta Reve where he introduced the electric bass, keyboards and amplified violins to the instrumentation of the Charanga and Cuban dance music in 1967.
Juan Formell formed Los Van Van in 1969. Los Van Van emerged as one of the most popular bands in Cuba. They were often called Cuba’s newspaper due to their popular songs filled with timely commentary on Cuban political and social issues. Ex Ritmo Oriental vocalist Pedrito Calvo joined the band in 1974 and fronted the band for close to two decades. Formell expanded the vocal front line to first include Angel Bonne and later Mayito Rivera and Roberto “Roberton” Hernandez after Bonne left the group. Using a Charanga line-up (flute, string instruments, and rhythm section) as its base, Los Van Van added trombones in 1980, and was the first Cuban group to use synthesizers and drum machines. Initially, their sound was a fusion of son montuno, rumba and North American rock and pop. Later the band incorporated funk, disco, and hip hop, as well as salsa.
Los Van Van also introduced a new rhythm called songo due to the collaboration of Formell along with legendary percussionist Jose Luis Quintana “Changuito” and pianist Cesar “Pupy” Pedroso. These influences would later give rise to the music later known as timba. Formell and Los Van Van incorporated timba into their rich mix of sound as they continued to deliver the songs, hits and anthems that touch the hearts of people and propel them to the dance floor.
Los Van Van, affectionally called by fans as “El Tren De Cuba” (The Train of Cuba) has consistently managed to adapt its style to the times, and remains, after more than 50 years, Cuba’s most popular dance band. Los Van Van has been a school for outstanding singers and musicians. Past members with successful careers as solo artists include Pedrito Calvo, Angel Bonne, Changuito, José Luis “El Tosco” Cortés (founder of the first timba band NG La Banda), César “Pupy” Pedroso and others. As of 2006, Los Van Van lineup of singers were Mayito Rivera, Roberto Hernandez “Roberton”, Yeni Valdes and Lele Rosales.
During 2011 Mayito Rivera left the band going for a solo career and was replaced by Mandy Cantero. Since early January 2017, Yeni Valdes left the band. Shortly after Juan Formell’s death, Vanessa Formell (Juan’s daughter) joined the vocal front line replacing Yeni and Juan Carlos Formell took over his father’s place on the bass. The band is led by powerhouse percussionist Samuel Formell who joined the band after Changuito’s departure in the early 1990’s making Los Van Van somewhat of a musical family affair.
Los Van Van won a grammy for their recording “Llego Van Van” in 2000. The Latin Recording Academy did recognized Juan Formell with the Special Award for Excellence 2013 along with other musical giants such as Eddie Palmieri and Oscar D’Leon. Juan Formell and Los Van Van will always be remembered for hits such as “Sandunguera”, “Anda Ven Y Muevete“, “El Buey Cansao” and countless others. I have had the honor of emceeing their first SF show at Maritime Hall in 1997 and their last SF date at the packed outdoor venue Stern Grove last Summer 2019 and have also served at their dj on several past SF dates as well. They are one of the greatest live bands on the planet. Happy Birthday Juan!!
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