Sal Cuevas

Bronx, New York-born bassist Salvador (Sal) Cuevas was an innovator for using the bass as a lead/solo instrument, particularly in Latin music. He played upright bass as well as bass guitar. He is best known as the bassist in Fania All Stars, for whom he played from 1978 to 1985. He also was prolific studio musician and player and director in a variety of ensembles, including for Willie Colón, Johnny Pacheco, and Héctor Lavoe. He died April 9, 2017, in Miami, Florida, due to complications from diabetes.