(CNN Spanish) – Alba Egan, the promoter and publicist known for boosting the careers of artists of Chayan’s stature, died on Sunday, January 1, her brother Eliseo Valdes confirmed to CNN.
Egan’s work in the United States helped establish the careers of artists such as Ricardo Montaner, Juan Gabriel, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Rocío Durcal, Ricardo Arjona.
Originally from Havana, Cuba, Egan may have arrived in the United States at the age of 8.
His love of music ran in the family: his father was part of the Cuban recording industry, where he worked with singer Benny Moreau.
Egan followed these steps while working at record labels such as Sony Music, where he served as the pop label’s director of marketing. She was also a promoter for Rodewayne Records, and worked for EMI and BMG Records.
Alberto Gomez, Juan Gabriel and Alba Egan. (Credit: Alba Egan Personal File)
Alba Egan, in the words of her colleagues
According to his colleagues, Egan was one of the pioneering promoters in the Latin music industry, opening not only the way for various singers to enter the United States, but also for the promoters who today lead the careers of artists such as Daddy Yankee, Elvis Crespo, and more. Huh. , Chayan, Greasy and Mike Bahia.
Sony Music Latin publicist Edith Vasquez told CNN, “She was the one who promoted Ricardo Montaner’s first hit in Miami.”
“A thorough professional, a lover of her career with a unique treatment, she was a true public relations executive who had experience in the industry where she worked and promoted the careers of big stars,” says Vasquez.
“She was a professional in every sense of the word. She was sweet, loving and always there to help you, to help you out, to put yourself in her shoes,” says Andrea Ramirez, publicist for Mike Bahia, Greasy, Andres Cepeda, among others. Had huge potential.
“She was a pillar for women in the industry,” says Mena Nevarez, founder of Nevarez Communications and publicist for Daddy Yankee and Carlos Vives.
“When I started in the industry, I always looked to it as a benchmark and a prestige,” says Nevarez.
Isabel Paz, Director of Members Services, states, “With great sensitivity and able to ‘market with love’, Albita played an important role in the careers of many and contributed to the ‘crossover explosion’, thus changing the history of Latin music”. forever changed.” Latin Recording Academy (Latin Grammy).
From left to right: Isabel Paz, Marlene Maceda and Alba Egan. (Credits: Isabel Paz and Marlene Maceda)
One of Egan’s closest friends, publicist Marleen Maseda, says she was “one of the few people in the industry who always helped others grow and rejoiced in every good thing that happened to others.”
This aspect of solidarity was remembered by Nevarez with particular affection. “I was so excited by how they celebrated and sent me messages for Daddy Yankee’s accomplishments,” Nevarez told CNN.
Egan was there early in Chayan’s career and was one of his great promoters.
“Albita Egan forged Chayne’s career and many stars in their golden era at Sony Music Latin,” recalls Vladimir Gomez, Chayne’s publicist, Maria Celeste Arreras, Myrka Delanos, among others.
“For us publicists, it was this that paved the way for us to do the work we do today with great artists. A huge loss for everyone in the world of music”, Gomez said.
