Alma Mary Vaesken of The 3 South Americans Passes Away at 89
Legendary Latin Music Pioneer Dies in Spain
Alma Mary Vaesken, founding member of the iconic Latin music group The 3 South Americans, died on January 31 in Tarancón, Cuenca at age 89. Her family confirmed the news through an official statement, marking the end of an era for Latin American music in Spain.
A Cross-Continental Musical Journey
Born in Paraguay, Vaesken co-founded the pioneering ensemble in 1959 alongside bandmates Johnny Torales and Casto Darío Martínez. The group relocated to Spain during the 1960s cultural boom, becoming one of the first Latin American acts to achieve mainstream success in Europe.
Music historians recognize The 3 South Americans as influential ambassadors of Latin rhythms, blending Paraguayan folk traditions with Cuban son and tropical styles. Their 40-year career produced enduring hits including:
- “Pulpa de Tamarindo” (1968)
- “Cartagena” (1971)
- “Cuando Salí de Cuba” (1966)
- “Me Lo Dice Pérez” (1975)
Final Arrangements and Legacy
Vaesken’s funeral mass will be held on February 1 at 9:30 AM in Tarancón’s Parish of San Vícctor y Santa Corona, followed by cremation in Cuenca. The artist had resided in the Castilian town with her husband during her final years.
The family acknowledged the outpouring of support from fans worldwide, stating: “We deeply appreciate the condolences from admirers across generations, and recognize journalists preserving Alma’s artistic legacy.”
Enduring Cultural Impact
According to Latin Music Encyclopedia (2022), The 3 South Americans performed in over 30 countries and released 18 albums between 1960-1998. Their 1967 performance at Barcelona’s Palacio de la Música remains archived in Spain’s National Audiovisual Collection as culturally significant.
Vaesken’s distinctive vocal style influenced later artists like Rosario Flores and Buika, demonstrating the lasting resonance of her musical contributions. The group’s work continues to feature in contemporary Latin music anthologies and streaming playlists, with “Cartagena” maintaining over 2 million streams annually on major platforms according to 2023 industry reports.
Source: Diario de Ibiza
Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es