Catalan singer Peret dies at 79

PEDRO PUBILL CALAF (1935 – 2014) died today at Clinica Quiron in Barcelona where he had been hospitalised since late July for lung cancer, said his manager Joan Planas.

The late Peret, who was one of the greatest exponents of rumba catalana, was in a critical condition and under sedation for the last couple of days and passed away at 2.35pm, roughly a month after putting an end to his 57-year career.

He was diagnosed with a tumour while giving the finishing touches to his first album completely sung in Catalan and recording an album in Spanish.

His official website had gone public with the news of his disease on July 30 saying the singer was fighting it with “fortitude and optimism” and that he hoped to return to resume his career and return to the stage as soon as possible.

The Spanish gypsy singer, who composed classics such as Una Lagrima (A tear) and Canta y Se Feliz (Sing and be happy) promised he would return to the stage after making a full recovery. He was going to perform last Monday at the opening of the 17^th Fira Mediterrania de Manresa in Barcelona, but his presentation had to be called off.

Peret was undergoing treatment and he temporarily left the hospital after his health improved. However, he suffered a relapse that proved too much for him to overcome.

May he rest in peace.