Héctor Ochoa, composer of 'El camino de la vida,' dies at 91

Colombian music legend Héctor Ochoa Cárdenas, composer of the iconic song "El camino de la vida," died on July 21, 2026, in Medellín at the age of 91, just three days before his 92nd birthday. His death marks the loss of one of the most influential figures in Colombian Andean music.

What he left behind

Ochoa's most famous composition, "El camino de la vida," was chosen in 1999 as the Colombian Song of the 20th Century through a public poll by Sonolux and a radio station Source: larepublicaco, infobae. The song, premiered in 1983 by dueto Arboleda y Valencia, became a hymn to family and nostalgia Source: portafolioco. Other notable works include "Muy antioqueño," "Aprendiendo a vivir," and "Orgullosamente mujer" Source: portafolioco.

A life tied to music

Born in Medellín on July 24, 1934, Ochoa was the son of composer Eusebio Ochoa. He learned guitar in secret and at 15 founded the Trío de Oro Source: elcolombiano. His first recorded composition, "Bendito amor," was recorded by tenor Víctor Hugo Ayala in 1962 Source: larepublicaco. Before dedicating himself fully to music, Ochoa worked for years in banking, even reaching executive positions Source: portafolioco. He also directed the Foundation Antioquia le Canta a Colombia for 12 years Source: portafolioco.

Honors and recognition

• In 2015, he became the first Colombian inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame .