Iconic Mexican singer and songwriter Armando Manzanero died on Monday, Dec. 28 at age 85. According to local reports, Manzanero had been diagnosed with COVID-19 on Dec. 17 and was hospitalized five days later.
He then died of coronavirus complications.
Following the news of Manzanero’s death, artists including Pablo Alborán, Maluma and Fito Paez took to social media to honor his legacy. “I cannot believe it,” Alborán wrote on Twitter. “Dear maestro, I will never forget our last performance together.”
Paez wrote on Instagram, “Today the great Armando Manzanero left us. He was an example to follow for all artists. He was a kind soul and a beautiful person. I lived unforgettable moments with him that I will cherish forever in my memory and heart. Long live Armando Manzanero!”
Maluma also posted on Instagram: “Today one of my biggest inspirations has died.”
Born in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico in 1935, Manzanero, who was known for his achingly beautiful lyrics in songs such as “Esta Tarde Vi Llover,” “Adoro,” “Somos Novios” and “Mía,” penned over 400 songs.
Following a prolific career that spans over six decades, on October 21 the 2020 Billboard Latin Music Awards celebrated and honored the maestro with the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award and a beautiful tribute where Pablo Alborán, Reik and Jesse & Joy’s Joy Huerta sang a medley of Manzanero classics including “Contigo Aprendí” and “No Sé Tu.”
Manzanero also performed “Esta Tarde Vi Llover.” “I have no words to express what my heart is feeling right now after singing with this new generation of artists that is so grand, strong and talented in a special stage like this one,” he said following his performance.
See more reactions and tributes from the Latin community below.
…y siempre; siempre nos harás falta querido maestro.
Hoy la música está de luto, y nuestros corazones están rotos. Descansa en paz querido maestro Manzaneropic.twitter.com/SRvdEY074T
— Joy (@solamentejoy) December 28, 2020
Lamento profundamente la partida de nuestro Secretario General de la @SACM_Oficial . Pero además extraordinario compositor y cantante Don Armando Manzanero Canché un hombre que toda su vida entregó a la música.
— Julio_Preciado_ (@Julio_Preciado_) December 28, 2020
“Saddened by this loss. We lost one of the kings in music. Rest in peace, maestro,” Ricky Martin wrote.
Noooo Manzanero no! me duele muchísimo! Un abrazo muy fuerte a toda su familia! Y su familia musical que somos millones! QEPD #viviraporsiempre
— JOSE LUIS ROMA (@JoseLuis_Roma) December 28, 2020
