Cuban-born jazz musician Israel 'Cachao' Lopez, credited with inventing the mambo, has died in Miami at the age of 89.
A family spokesman said Lopez died with his relatives around him.
He had fallen ill in the past week and died at Coral Gable Hospital, the spokesman added.
Cuban-American actor Andy Garcia, who made a 1993 documentary about the musician, praised him as the "musical father" of Cubans.
In a statement he said : "He is revered by all who have come in contact with him and his music.
"Maestro... you have been my teacher and you took me in like a son.
"I will continue to rejoice with your music and carry our traditions wherever I go, in your honour."
A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, reports BBC.
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