August 16, 2010

By By Leila Cobo, Miami

Alberto Uribe, the longtime head buyer for Latin music retail chain Ritmo Latino, passed away Aug. 4. The cause was lung cancer, diagnosed earlier this year.

A native of Colombia and avid music fan who vocally supported new acts, Uribe spent years as Ritmo Latino's head buyer and was a crucial part of the chain's expansion and its commitment to developing artists. Ritmo Latino, which at one point had more than 50 stores nationwide, shuttered its last storefront last month and liquidated its assets. News of Uribe's passing was confirmed by Ritmo Latino owner/founder David Massry.

?I am deeply saddened by Alberto Uribe?s passing,? said Massry. ?He really cared about our company and he was a very dedicated and a loyal employee.?

Uribe is survived by his mother.

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