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Carlos Gardel

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Carlos Gardel was born in Toulouse in 1890 as Charles Romuald Gardès, the son of an unmarried laundress. Around 1893 his mother left with him for Buenos Aires, where she did French-style ironing in the San Nicolás district. He grew up speaking Spanish and became Carlos, or Carlitos. A disputed theory holds that he was born in Tacuarembó, Uruguay, but research into the French baptismal and birth registers confirms Toulouse.

Music and breakthrough

Gardel became the most important figure in the history of the tango and one of the most influential singers of popular music in the first half of the twentieth century. He was sometimes called a baritone, sometimes a tenor, because of his wide range, and was known for his rich voice and dramatic phrasing. Together with the lyricist Alfredo Le Pera he wrote several classic tangos. His nicknames included El Zorzal, the song thrush, and the King of the Tango.

Influence

He was killed in a plane crash in 1935, at the height of his career, and became a tragic hero mourned throughout Latin America. For many he embodies the soul of the tango. Por una Cabeza from 1935 is among his last work. His recordings continue to appear on new albums to this day, including in new arrangements.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Por una Cabeza. Notice the warm, smooth voice and how Gardel stretches the phrases and holds them back again, as if he were telling a story.

Discography

Studio albums

Mentioned in other articles

Categories: ArtistsTango