Renowned composer Enrique Bonne Castillo, who brought the vibrant rhythm of pilón to life and penned over 200 compositions that enriched the genres of bolero, son, and cha-cha-chá, has passed away at the age of 98 in Santiago de Cuba. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Cuban music.
Beatriz Johnson, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Santiago de Cuba, announced his passing on social media, highlighting iconic pieces like "A cualquiera se le muere un tío" and "Dame la mano y caminemos." Bonne was a recipient of the National Music Award in 2016, the Television Award in 2018, and was honored with the title of "Illustrious Son of Santiago de Cuba," she noted.
"Our deepest condolences to his family and friends on behalf of the people of Santiago de Cuba," Johnson emphasized. In June, she celebrated his 98th birthday on the social media platform X, praising him as "one of the greats of Cuban culture." "Maestro Enrique Bonne, you are a pride of Santiago de Cuba," she added.
Journalist Anolvis Cuscó Tarradell reported on Facebook that Bonne died at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday after a 32-day hospital stay at the Juan Bruno Zayas Surgical Teaching Hospital in the Hero City, battling bronchopneumonia and leukemia, which he had suffered from for several years.
"He passed away in his Hero City with his eyes closed but with the same cheerful and gentle expression, half-smiling as he greeted visitors at his modest home on Calle D between 4th and Avenida del reparto Sueño. He proudly showcased his piano and old drums there, never wanting to leave despite the lure of Havana," expressed Cuscó Tarradell.
Born on June 15, 1926, in San Luis, a municipality in Santiago de Cuba, Bonne left behind a legacy of more than 200 musical works. "He deserved the National Music Award in 2016 and the equivalent Television Award in 2018, honors that were long overdue," the journalist noted, highlighting previous calls from Santiago artists and intellectuals for these recognitions to be awarded to the Maestro much earlier.
Enrique Bonne's Legacy and Achievements
What was Enrique Bonne known for?
Enrique Bonne was celebrated for creating the pilón rhythm and composing over 200 pieces that enriched Cuban music genres such as bolero, son, and cha-cha-chá.
What awards did Enrique Bonne receive?
He was awarded the National Music Award in 2016, the Television Award in 2018, and was named the Illustrious Son of Santiago de Cuba.
How did Enrique Bonne pass away?
Enrique Bonne passed away after a 32-day hospitalization due to bronchopneumonia and leukemia.