We Mourn The Untimely Passing Of Jorge Casas—BM ‘84

It is with deep sorrow we learn of the passing of Frost alumnus and Grammy Award winning bassist Jorge Casas, BM ’84 in Studio Music & Jazz. All of us at the Frost School send our condolences to his family and to Gloria and Emilio Estefan on the passing of their friend, bassist and musical director.

By UM News 02-01-2019

Jorge Casas, was born in Cuba, and was 69 at the time of his passing. Since 1986, he was the regular bassist, musical director and producer for the Miami Sound Machine and for Gloria Estefan, who announced his death on social media, Thursday, January 31. He had his own band in Miami called “The Company” from 1981 – 1986, which eventually became the Miami Sound Machine. His arrangement for Estefan’s song “Anything For You” went on to be her first number one hit on the Billboard Charts. In addition to working with other artists such as Jimmy Page and Julio Iglesias, he was a prolific producer for film soundtracks. Recently, Casas worked on Broadway for the show “On Your Feet!” The Emilio & Gloria Estefan Musical.” Gloria Estefan stated “It is with deep sadness that I share with you the passing of Jorge Casas, my friend, my musical director of 34 years, my brother. He passed peacefully in his sleep after a beautiful night with his family while on a one week hiatus from his work family, the cast and crew of @onyourfeetway and we are all mourning the loss of this amazing human being that enriched our lives and was the friend that everyone would want in their corner.”

In commenting Dean Shelton G. Berg stated: “Jorge Casas was one of the finest and most accomplished musicians to ever come out of the Frost School. For decades, he anchored the sound of the Miami Sound Machine with energy, excellence, and artistry. I am proud to have known him.”

Tim Smith, lecturer in Contemporary and Jazz Bass at the Frost School of Music further stated: “Jorge was a wonderful bass player who came to Miami as I was leaving in 1979. We became friends through the years. He accomplished great things as a recording and touring bassist--was a wonderful man. You will be missed Jorge!”