Lopez died less than a week after his 76th birthday
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Buena Vista Social Club founding member Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez has died in Cuba aged 76.
The double bass player died in a Havana hospital from complications after having prostate surgery.
Lopez became a worldwide sensation as part of the group of elderly musicians who were living quietly in Cuba before being brought together in 1996.
He was considered to be Buena Vista's "heartbeat" in the band's mix of traditional Cuban rhythms.
"It is a great loss for the group and for Cuban music because he was a superb bassist and a brilliant band mate," said Manuel "Guajiro" Mirabal, the group's trumpeter.
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