Pablo Milanés, Cuban singer-songwriter star, dies aged 79

Pablo Milanés is dead at the age of 79.

Pablo Milanés, a Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist from Cuba who popularized the Nueva Trova style and wrote songs like Yolanda and Amo Esta Isla, passed away in Madrid from cancer. He was 79.

One of the most well-known musicians from Cuba on a global scale, Milanés performed on numerous albums and traveled the globe over the course of a more than 50-year career.

Despite being a fervent supporter of Fidel Castro's revolution, the musician wasn't reluctant to express his opinions and later bemoaned the island's lack of freedom and advancement.

His agent sent a statement on Tuesday announcing his passing.

“It’s with great pain and sadness that we regret to inform you that the maestro Pablo Milanés has died in Madrid in the early hours of 22 November,” it said. “May he rest in the peace and love he always radiated. He will remain forever in our memory.”