Los Van Van

Los Van Van is a Cuban musical group, known as one of the most important musical groups of post-revolutionary Cuba. It was formed in 1969 by bassist Juan Formell, who also served as the group’s leader for many decades. The group brings together elements of salsa, songo, and timba. Before forming Los Van Van, Juan Formell served as a bassist at the Cuban Radio and Television Institute Orchestra, as well as several jazz and Son Cubano groups. When he formed Los Van Van, he decided to put a new spin on the tropical music tradition by incorporating influences from 1960s rock and roll music. By bringing together sounds of North American pop and rock and roll, Juan Formell created a sound that he called “changüi 68”. Los Van Van made their debut with the self-titled album Van Van (1969). In the 1970s, José Luis "Changuito" Quintana joined the group as a percussionist, becoming one of the most influential conga and timbales player in Cuban music history. Los Van Van would go on to release landmark albums such as 1974’s Tránsito (also known as Los Van Van Vol. 2) throughout the 1970s and 1980s, going on to expand the group’s lineup to include trombones. The 1980s saw the release of one of Los Van Vans’ biggest hits, “Por encima del Nivel.” The group continued to perform and record over the course of the 1990s and 2000s.

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