by the El Reportero’s news services
César PortilloLegendary Cuban musician Cesar Portillo, one of the island’s best known composers, died in Havana, state media reported. He was 90.Portillo, who composed the hits “Contigo en la distancia” and “Tu mi delirio,” died on Saturday, the AIN news agency reported.
He was one of Cuba’s most prolific composers and one of the great promoters of the bolero.
Portillo founded the “filin” musical movement, inspired by the Hispanization of the English word “feeling,” along with Jose Antonio Mendez and other Cuban musicians.
The movement revived the bolero in the 1950s, incorporating jazz harmonies and melodies.
Portillo’s “well known work as an author enriched the heritage of Cuban and universal song with pieces like ‘Contigo en la distancia’ and ‘Tu mi delirio,’ both with more than 100 versions,” AIN said.
Portillo’s songs were performed by stars like Nat King Cole, Pedro Infante, Jose Jose, Lucho Gatica, Luis Miguel, Placido Domingo, Caetano Veloso and Cristina Aguilera.
The musician will be cremated and a memorial service will be held in Havana on Monday.
William Levy, Jada Pinkett-Smith to Star in ‘Salsa’
Telenovela star William Levy is set to star as a salsa teacher who helps brings a woman (Jada Pinkett-Smith) start anew through the power of dance.
The film is being written and directed by Clueless and Fast Times at Ridgemont High helmet Amy Heckerling. Pinkett-Smith and Miguel Melendez will serve as producers and production will begin in the early 2014.
Levy was on the last season of “Dancing with the Stars” and finished third, but he is most known for his numerous telenovela roles. The Cuban-born actor also recently finished working on two films, Addicted and styler Perry’s Single Moms Club.
Pinkett-Smith most recently voiced the character of Gloria in Madly Madagascar and also worked as producer for The Secret Life of Bees.
