Carmelo André Llanes

Carmelo André Llanes, affectionately known as «el abuelo Carmelo» (Grandfather Carmelo), was one of the most beloved and respected trumpet players in contemporary Cuban popular music. Born on April 3, 1953, in Havana, his career spanned over five decades of contributions to timba, salsa, and Cuban son.\n\nTrained at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory and the National School of Arts (ENA), Carmelo liked to say that the most important lessons he learned came from «la calle» — the street — in the oral tradition of Cuban musicians who hone their craft by playing alongside the greats.\n\nHe began his career with Lázaro Valdés Sr. in T con E, and worked in numerous Havana cabarets accompanying top-tier figures such as Omara Portuondo, Moraima Secada, Elena Burke, and Leonora Rega. He later joined the Teatro Musical de La Habana and the Cabaret Capri.\n\nIn 1992 he began an important chapter with Paulito FG y su Élite, recording the albums Sofocándote (1993) and El bueno soy yo (1995), and remaining with the group until 1997. He subsequently performed with César López's Havana Ensemble, Danny Lozada y su Timba Cubana, and Son Candela, led by bassist Adalberto «Candelita» Ávila.\n\nFrom 1998, Carmelo became a fixture in La Charanga Habanera led by David Calzado — the band that gave him his widest international exposure. He appeared on landmark albums including Live in the USA, Chan Chan Charanga, and Charanguero mayor. His fame grew further when singer Aned Mota immortalized him in the song «El abuelo Carmelo», included on one of the Charanga Habanera's productions.\n\nBeyond the Charanga, he collaborated with other major artists, including Isaac Delgado on the Grammy-nominated album La fórmula.\n\nCarmelo André Llanes was a musician of refined sensibility, infectious joy, and total dedication to the stage. His passing in May 2026 was mourned across the Cuban music community by artists of multiple generations.