Cuban pop quintet Los Zafiros successfully emulated American late-1950s rock ‘n’ roll and doo-wop groups while also incorporating elements of bolero, calypso, bossa nova, and the rhythmic heritage of their homeland. Despite their success in their homeland and in the States, volatility and hard living slowly destroyed them as a group and as individuals. Alienated by inter-band fighting, musical director Manuel Galbán left in 1972. The remaining quartet continued for another three years, recording with an orchestra. Ignacio Elejaldes died in 1981, suffering a brain hemorrhage at the age of just 37, and Leoncio "Kike" Morúa died in 1983 from cirrhosis of the liver.