Beloved Mexican Composer Roberto Cantoral Has Passed Away

Beloved Mexican composer and long running president of SACM Roberto Cantoral passed away on August 7, 2010 at age 75. He leaves behind a great legacy of music and many achievements on behalf of his guild and his fellow composers. Cantoral’s career started in the early 50's when he formed the group "Los Tres Caballeros". Later he went on to become a member and ultimately the head of SACM. Also a composer, his songs have been recorded by the likes of Joan Baez, Placido Domingo, Los Panchos, Jose Feliciano, etc.

 

He was the only person to date to speak at the International Organization for Intellectual Property in 1993, though he was not a member of the government. At the ceremony Cantoral received standing ovation for his fight to protect the rights of Mexican authors and composers.