Elkin Ramírez

{{Refimprove|date=January 2017}}

{{short description|Colombian singer-songwriter}}{{Infobox person

| name = Elkin Ramirez

| image = Elkin Ramírez.jpg{{!}}border

| alt =

| caption = Ramirez on stage

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1962|10|26|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

| death_date = {{Death date and age|2017|01|29|1962|10|9|df=yes}}

| death_place = Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

| occupation = {{flat list|

• Singer
• songwriter
• musician

}}

| years_active = 1984–2017

| website = {{URL|krakencolombia.net}}

}}

Elkin Ramírez (26 October 1962 – 29 January 2017) was a Colombian singer-songwriter, and leader of the band Kraken.{{cite web|url=http://www.universia.net.co/festival-de-bandas/notas-musicales/elkin-ramirez-lider-de-kraken.-lo-que-yo-canto-es-lo-que-soy/una-propuesta-mu.html|title=Elkin Ramírez, líder de Kraken. Lo que yo canto, es lo que soy|date=6 January 2008|publisher=Radionica|language=Spanish|accessdate=19 July 2010}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}

Ramírez was born in the Belén neighborhood of Medellín, Antioquia, in October 1962. He was a self-taught artist, training himself and his vocal technique. He belonged to bands such as Kripzy (1981–1982) and Ferrotrack (1983–1984). In 1985, Ramirez joined Kraken as founder and leader. He was the author and composer of most of the band's songs, concept and lyrics; he was also the lead singer. In 2008, Ramírez debuted as an actor playing a hit man in the Colombian feature film Cain's Ethic (La Etica de Cain) directed by Edward Ruiz.

Ramírez died from brain cancer on 29 January 2017 in Medellín. He was 54.{{Cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7669993/elkin-ramirez-colombia-kraken-rock-titan-dies-at-54|title=Elkin Ramirez, Colombia's 'Rock Titan' and Leader of Kraken, Dies at 54|work=Billboard|date=29 January 2017|accessdate=29 January 2017|author=Cantor-Navas, Judy}}