Aniceto Molina, famed accordionist and ‘Ambassador of Cumbia,’ died of a lung infection on Monday at the age of 76.

RIP Aniceto Molina

Molina first picked up the accordion when he was 12-years-old and steadily mastered cumbio rhythm and sounds until he broke out in 1973 as a major recording artist in Mexico, playing with his band, Los Sabaneros. In 1984, Molina made the move to Texas, where he continued to make music and grow his fan base, which is particularly strong in El Salvador and Mexico. He is best known for his cumbia compositions “Cumbia Sampuesana” and “El Peluquero.”

Molina has been in the hospital since February, and his son updated fans on his father’s condition on his official Facebook page. “In tears and with a destroyed heart, I inform the public, friends and the media that my father, Aniceto Molina, just died,” Molina’s son wrote.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.