Ibrahim Ferrer:
(February 20, 1927 – August 6, 2005
I first heard about Ibrahim Ferrer while watching the documentary film "Buena Vista Social Club". I
immediately went out and purchased a copy of the CD.
Buena Vista Social Club is an album featuring Cuban music. The album was produced by Ry Cooder who
travelled to Cuba to record sessions with the musicians, many of whom were previously largely
unknown outside of their country. The musicians and the songs were also featured in a documentary
film of the same name.
After trying many times with no success in obtaining tickets to their concerts in the San Francisco Bay
Area. My husband surprised me with tickets to see him at a dinner concert in Livermore, CA. (2002)
Two weeks before the concert I felt compelled to paint his portrait. We arrived early on the day of the
concert and after explaining to Security that I was an artist, born in Cuba, and if it would be possible to
have someone present the Portrait to Ibrahim? I was told it would not be possible.
I was devastated and heart broken, but to my surprise my husband spotted him being escorted in. I
immediately grabbed the painting and sprinted across the lawn in his direction. Unbeknown to me
security was hot on my heels, but I was determined. I immediately introduced myself to Ibrahim, just
then security put their hand on my shoulder. Ibrahim told them to stop, that I was with him. I presented
him with the portrait and explained that I was Cuban. He introduced me to his wife and told me to come
backstage after the concert as he would like to speak further with me.
I was ecstatic, I never even thought it was going to be possible to see him in concert let alone present
the portrait to him in person, and now after the concert, I was going to meet with him. We enjoyed the
concert and as it was about to end, worked our way around to the side of the stage area. We explained
to security that Ibrahim asked to meet with us after the concert, but was told that no one was allowed
backstage. As the concert ended we could see him being escorted off the stage and into a Limo. I was
devastated, yet elated that I was able to present him with the portrait.
A couple of weeks went by and my husband told me he had been trying to confirm that the portrait did in
fact leave with Ibrahim. He spoke to the people at the venue, and they advised that the painting was
nowhere to be found on the premises, but he was determined to verify what happened to it. He was
able to get in touch with Ibrahim's agent in Barcelona, Spain and asked if he would check to make sure
the painting made it to Cuba. "Yes", he advised it was hanging in a prominent location in Ibrahim's
home and that he loved it.
A year went by and while attending an art class at Diablo Valley College I saw a poster for a humanities
class that was going to Cuba. I immediately signed up. I contacted Ibrahim's agent and asked if it would
be possible to visit him while we were in Habana? He advised me to call him at his office in Barcelona
when we reached Habana. On the last day of our stay I called Barcelona and was told I could call
Ibrahim's home and ask if it were possible to meet with him for 15 minutes. I spoke with his wife, and
she remembered me. She said to come over now!
We took a cab ride, and arrived shortly thereafter. My husband told the cab driver to comeback in about
thirty minutes. We rang the bell at the gate and explained who we were. Someone answered, that they
would be there momentarily.
As the gate swung open, much to our surprise, there stood Irbrahim and his wife. They welcomed us
into their home and treated us as if we were family. I was taken to the room were he has all of his
awards and memorabilia from his travels. In the middle of one wall just above his Gold and Platinum
albums hung my painting.
I was deeply shocked and saddened to awake to the news that Ibrahim had passed away on August 6,
2005. The World is very fortunate to have had this gentle soul bring such joy to our ears and souls in
his music that will live on for generations.