Carlos Gardel (1890-1935)

Carlos Gardel was an Argentine composer and tango singer. His nickname “El Zorzal Criollo” which means the “Creole Thrush”. His date of birthplace  has been disputed and caused some controversy. It is assumed he was born in France as he has a French birth certificate but his passport states his birthplace as Uruguay, and he came to Argentina at the age of 2. When asked, Gardel would only say that he was born at age 2½ in Buenos Aires. 

Gardel was famous for his tango ballards where were played in films and nightclubs during the 1920s and 1930s. In 1911, he formed a duo with Uruguayan singer Jose Razzano which lasted till 1925.  By the 1920’s he became popular and was considered Argentinas leading tango singer.  His song “Mi Noche Triste” have skyrocketed his popularity. It was based on music and lyrics by two other composers and it became the first recorded vocal tango. Throughout his career, he recorded over 900 songs. His best known songs include: El día que me quieras, Mi Buenos Aires querido, Por una cabeza, Volver, Silencio and Cuesta abajo.  In 1935, he died in a plane crash while on tour at the age of 44 at the height of his career and popularity. Until today, Gardel is considered an icon in Argentine, Uruguay and the rest of the world.

Discography:

Release Date                               CD                                                   Record Label/Other

1962	Carlos Gardel	Label: RCA Original Recordings Made In France  Distributed by Impact
1964:	Carlos Gardel: Memorias De Carlos Gardel	Label: Arcano
1974	Carlos Gardel Con La Orquesta De Alfredo De Angelis	Label: EMI
1976	La Voz De…	Label: Odeon
1972	Tangos: (Cantados Por Carlos Gardel)	Label:RCA Victor. Made from master recording of RCA Records  (Madrid, Espana)

 

 Bibliography:

Ilich, T ( 2012) Carlos Gardel - Tango's King. Retrieved July 1,2012 from: http://latinmusic.about.com/od/artistsen/p/PROGARDEL.htm

 

Carlos Gardel Retrieved July 1, 2012 from

http://www.verytango.com/legends/carlos-gardel.html