Venezuelan singer Perucho Navarro, known for 'El Año Viejo,' dies at 83

Venezuelan singer Perucho Navarro, celebrated for his rendition of the Christmas classic "El Año Viejo," has died at the age of 83. He passed away on July 8, 2026, in Galicia, Spain, where he had been living for several years to receive ongoing medical treatment.

Navarro's death has sent ripples through the Latin American tropical music scene. He was a prominent figure with the renowned Venezuelan orchestra Los Melódicos for 15 years, under the direction of Renato Capriles. His charismatic performances and his popularization of "El Año Viejo," originally composed by Crescencio Salcedo, cemented his legacy.

The artist succumbed to health complications stemming from a stroke. His son, Alex Navarro, confirmed the passing on social media. Navarro also had successful stints with other groups, including La Playa and La Tremenda, further contributing to his extensive musical career.

He formally bid farewell to the stage in 2023 during the Feria de las Flores in Medellín, and that same year celebrated six decades of his career with a concert in San Cristóbal, Venezuela. Fans remember his distinctive stage presence and signature shouts during performances. His remains will stay in Europe with his family, while fans pay tribute online.