Puerto Rican salsa singer 'Lalo' Rodríguez dead at 64: 'A giant in so many ways'

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Puerto Rican salsa singer and musician “Lalo” Rodríguez was found dead Tuesday at a public housing project in the U.S. territory, according to police. He was 64.

Police said that while there were no visible signs of violence on his body, an autopsy would determine the cause of death.

The singer, who was born Ubaldo Rodríguez Santos, had struggled for years with drugs and alcohol and was previously charged with possession of cocaine.

Rodríguez made his musical debut in 1980 with the album “Simplemente... Lalo” (“Simply Lalo”) and is best known for his 1988 hit, “Ven, devórame otra vez” or “Come, Devour Me Again,” featured on his fifth album “Un Nuevo Despertar” (“A New Awakening.”)

The singer also once formed part of Eddie Palmieri's band.

Eddie Palmieri tweeted that he was "deeply saddened" to find out the death of Rodriguez.

"I don't need to tell you how much our music and culture has meant to me and to the world," the singer said. "He was a giant in so many ways. We will miss him a lot and treasure his memory."

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Puerto Rican singer Elvis Crespo, known for hits "Suavemente" and "Tu Sonrisa," said Rodriguez's voice was "one of the most beautiful" his "ears have heard and will hear."

"His unique, tuned and potent timbre made his music immortal," he continued. "My sincere condolences to his family and fans. May our Lalo Rodríguez rest in peace."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lalo Rodriguez death: Puerto Rican singer mourned by Elvis Crespo