Joe Arroyo was one of the most influential and popular salsa singers and composers in Colombia and Latin America. His songs blended different genres and rhythms from the African diaspora, such as cumbia, porro, soca, zouk, and compas. He also sang about the history and struggles of the black population in the region, especially in his most famous hit, “La Rebelión”. But what was Joe Arroyo’s cause of death and how did he impact the Colombian music scene?
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Early Life and Career
Joe Arroyo was born as Álvaro José Arroyo González on November 1, 1955, in Cartagena, a port city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. He grew up in a poor neighborhood called Nariño, where he was exposed to the rich musical heritage of the city, influenced by the African slaves who arrived there in the 16th century. He also spoke Creole, a language derived from Bantu, which he used in some of his songs.
Arroyo began his singing career at the age of eight, when he performed in brothels in Tesca, a red-light district in his hometown. He later ran away from home and joined a band in Barranquilla called “La Protesta”. In 1971, he was discovered by Julio Ernesto Estrada, the bass player and director of the band Fruko y sus Tesos, and signed up with the Colombian record label Discos Fuentes. With Fruko, Arroyo recorded timeless classics such as “Tania” and “Manyoma”, and became one of the leading voices of salsa music in the country.
Solo Success and Innovation
In 1981, Arroyo left Fruko y sus Tesos and formed his own band, called “La Verdad” (The Truth). He also developed his own style of music, which he called “joeson”, a fusion of salsa, cumbia, porro, soca, compas, zouk, and other Caribbean rhythms. He also incorporated elements of Colombian folklore, such as gaitas, tamboras, and chandés, into his songs.
Some of his most famous and successful songs from this period are “Rebelión”, “La Noche”, “Tania”, “El Ausente”, “En Barranquilla Me Quedo”, and “Echao Pa’lante”. His songs were not only catchy and danceable, but also had social and historical messages. For example, “Rebelión” tells the story of a slave uprising in Cartagena, and “En Barranquilla Me Quedo” praises the city that welcomed him and gave him fame.
Arroyo was also known for his charismatic and energetic stage presence, his colorful outfits, and his distinctive voice, which ranged from high-pitched to raspy. He was admired and respected by his peers and fans, and received several awards and recognitions, such as the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
Health Problems and Death
Arroyo’s intense lifestyle and drug addiction took a toll on his health. He suffered from several illnesses and complications, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, pneumonia, and kidney failure. He also had to undergo surgery for his eyes and heart. He was hospitalized several times and was even pronounced dead by the media on more than one occasion.
His final hospitalization was in June 2011, when he was admitted to the Clínica La Asunción in Barranquilla due to multiorgan failure. He remained in critical condition for almost a month, until he died on July 26, 2011, at the age of 55. The official cause of death was multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, according to the clinic. The day before his death, he received his final sacrament by the local bishop.
His death caused a national mourning and a massive tribute from his fans, who gathered outside the clinic and the funeral home to pay their respects. His funeral was attended by thousands of people, who sang and danced to his songs. He was buried in the Jardines de la Eternidad cemetery in Barranquilla.
Legacy and Influence
Joe Arroyo left a lasting legacy and influence on Colombian and Latin American music. He was considered one of the greatest performers and composers of salsa and tropical music, and one of the most representative artists of the Caribbean culture. He also contributed to the recognition and empowerment of the black population in the region, through his songs and his activism.
His songs have been covered and sampled by many artists, such as Carlos Vives, Juanes, Shakira, Marc Anthony, and Daddy Yankee. His life and career have also been the subject of books, documentaries, and a soap opera called “El Joe, La Leyenda” (Joe, The Legend), which aired in 2011 and 2012.
Joe Arroyo’s cause of death may have been tragic, but his music and legacy live on. He is remembered as a legend, a rebel, and a truth-teller, who gave voice and rhythm to the Caribbean soul.
