Ibrahim Ferrer Planas: One of Buena Vista Social Club’s Voices

Ibrahim Ferrer Planas is a man who lived 78 years fighting for his life. When he was 12 years old he nearly died because of a tetanus infection. He swayed between light and shadows, since there were moments in which the world of music made him step back and keep his nose to the grindstone to make a living, but he was loved and admired by many people.

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Ferrer was a shy, simple, polite man with plenty of faith, very familiar and friendly. He had a pure and soft voice that was perfect for the authentic Cuban son and bolero.

Ibrahim Ferrer Planas was born in San Luis municipality, 30 km away from Santiago de Cuba, on February 20, 1927. When he was barely 14 years old he created a small-format group named “The Youths of Son” and they began playing their music in parties.

Ferrer was a member of outstanding Cuban orchestras, such as the legendary “Eastern Rhythm”, Benny More’s, Pacho Alonso’s and Chepín Chovén’s where he made “El Platanal de Bartolo”popular.

His talent was actually recognized in 1997, both in Cuba and overseas, when he recorded the “A toda Cuba le gusta”album with Afro Cuban All Stars, and joined “Buena Vista Social Club”.

As a member of “Buena Vista Social Club”, he had the opportunity to work with prestigious musicians he admired, like Omara Portuondo, Rubén González, Compay Segundo, Eliades Ochoa, Barbarito Torres and Guajiro Mirabal. This production won the Grammy Award in 1998 and he recorded his first solo album in 1999, Buena Vista Social Club Presents Ibrahim Ferrer, followed by the 2004 Grammy-winner Buenos Hermanos.

Ferrer gave concerts at the most important halls of the world, such as theRoyal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House and Tokyo’s Orchard Hall. He was always acclaimed by the audience. 

Ibrahim Ferrer Planas passed away in Havana on August 6, 2005.