Arturo Sandoval turns 74, more active than ever.

"I never imagined that at the age of 75, I would be playing so many concerts and traveling the world," wrote the legendary Cuban trumpeter.

Arturo Sandoval © Facebook / Arturo Sandoval
Arturo SandovalPhoto © Facebook / Arturo Sandoval

Arturo Sandoval, the legendary Cuban trumpeter, celebrated his 74th birthday this Sunday, October 27, with the same energy and vitality that has defined his career.

In a message posted on his Facebook profile, the musician expressed his gratitude to all the fans who have supported him throughout his long career.

Facebook screenshot / Arturo Sandoval

"I never imagined that at the age of 75, I would be performing so many concerts and traveling the world," he wrote, hinting at the dedication that still drives him to stay on stage, although he confessed that "sometimes I feel tired; it’s even hard for me to walk."

Sandoval, who has won multiple Grammy awards and is renowned for his virtuosity and fusion of jazz and Latin rhythms, also shared his personal experience regarding the energy that overwhelms him when he plays.

"When I step on stage, I forget everything and a surge of energy transforms me into another person. Blessed be God, that's all I can say," remarked the Cuban musician, whose message has deeply resonated with his followers.

Over the years, Sandoval has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to music. From his beginnings in Cuba to his subsequent move to the United States, his career has been a testament to perseverance and resilience, becoming a role model for musicians across various generations.

Sandoval continues to be an inspiration, not only for his musical talent but also for his civic engagement, his love for Cuba, his denunciation of the dictatorship, and his ability to transcend borders while keeping his passion for art alive in every performance.

The musician continues to receive accolades, and on Sunday, December 8, he will be honored by the Kennedy Center, which annually selects a group of significant and outstanding artists for its Kennedy Center Honors, celebrating the honorees with a star-studded gala.

This year's honorees include the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, and Arturo Sandoval, as well as director Francis Ford Coppola and Harlem's Apollo Theater.

"I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful to be selected to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. This recognition is an extraordinary milestone in my career and a testament to the support and encouragement I have received from my family, friends, colleagues, and fans. Throughout my journey, I have strived to create, perform, and inspire with passion and integrity. Being recognized by such a esteemed institution validates my efforts and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my art," expressed the artist. The musician left Cuba in 1990 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2013.

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