Irvin garcia, who was in the Haciendo Punto en Otro Son group for many years with Jossy Latorre, Tony Croatto and Silverio Pérez, passed away this morning. It was her stage partner who confirmed the unfortunate news.
Garcia was diagnosed with liver cancer about a year ago. Since then, he has preferred to carry the disease in private. Latorre also pointed out that it was the wish of his friend and musical partner to say goodbye to this earthly phase privately with his family. The remains would be cremated.
Ivelisse Rubio, sentimental partner, was in his care. The result of a previous relationship with singer Taty Rodríguez, the two sons of the founding member of Haciendo Punto en Otro Son, Ircamar and Pedro Antonio, remained close to him even during his illness.
For Latorre, García was the true “musical genius” of the Nueva Trova ensemble, which got its start in October 1975 at the La Tea café-theater on Calle Sol in Old San Juan, according to data obtained by the National Foundation for Popular Culture.
Born and raised in Villa Palmeras in Santurce, he “brought the rhythm and flair” of the street, “and he always told him that he was the musical genius.” The singer justified her appreciation with the “beautiful product” she turned each of her contributions into as members.
Latorre described the musician as “an extremely sensitive individual,” a trait that may not have worked in his favor at times. “I think that’s worked against her a little bit throughout her life because she’s lived through the pain of a lot of people,” the artist said over the phone.
Garcia, her friend continued, had had a complicated life since he was a child, but “he’s weathered all odds … he always told him, ‘I’m so proud of you.'” To her, he was more than a partner in the art of music, he was very close to it. “I had a lot of respect and affection for him.”
The group Haciendo Punto en Otro Son, known among many songs for the adaptation of the song “La muralla” by Nicolás Guillén, remained active until 2017. Each member then directed their own works. In García’s case, he joined the Interamerican University’s Popular Arts Program as an educator.
Cuatro player Quique Domenech was one of the first to comment on the loss via social media.
“From 1998 to 2003 I had the honor of musically directing the group Haciendo Punto en Otro Son. Today I learn that another member, Irvin García, has made his transition into the heavenly neighborhood. Thanks for everything you taught me Irvin!” he captioned on his Facebook account, along with a picture capturing some of the moments together.