JOE ARROYO SALSA, R.I.P. — Today is a very sad day for our Latin music community. At age 55, Colombian salsa singer Joe Arroyo has died Tuesday morning at a hospital in Barranquilla, Colombia. Rest in peace, Joe! 

Also, on the day of his death, it was announced that he was among the recipients of the Latin Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Joe Arroyo, born Alvaro Jose Arroyo González, was born on November 1st, 1955. At the age of 10 years old, he was already singing in one of Cartagena's popular music halls. 

In 1971, Joe was discovered by Ernesto Estrada, the bass player and singer of the band Fruko y Sus Tesos and he was signed with Colombian record label Discos Fuentes. He performed with the band for 10 years until 1981, when he began his solo career leading his own band, named "La Verdad." (The Truth)

His brilliant music combined styles of his native Cartagena, salsa, merengue, soca, kompa, zouk, with an incredible variety of African styles that exist in Colombian music, such as champeta and porro. 

He was dubbed "El Sonero de La Salsa" by renown critics and fans. His music contains some of the greatest salsa songs of all time, such as Rebelión (No Le Pegue  A La Negra).

Joe had been staying at the Barranquilla hospital where he finally suffered a heart failure. The day before his death, doctors announced that the singer was suffering from several organ failures and he was then given his final sacrament by the local bishop. The singer died at 7:45 AM, Colombian local time. 

We will remember you, Joe! We love you!