A large number of artists associated with Tango have been immortalized over more than a century of Argentine cultural history. The list below gathers a group of eight who, in our opinion, are the most prominent in different periods of the life of our Argentine Tango. It´s not an order of importance, just a list of the most important artists:
1- Carlos Gardel
Carlos Gardel is undoubtedly the ultimate icon of Tango worldwide. Gardel was a baritone, and his songs narrated the dramas of daily life. Tracks like “Volver,” “El día que me quieras,” “Por una cabeza,” and “Melodía de Arrabal” became globally known thanks to Carlos Gardel’s figure. He was also an actor, and his fame as a star singer led him to star in 10 films. His tragic death in an airplane accident in 1935 marked the beginning of his legend. Argentina, France, and Uruguay dispute his birthplace.
Learn more about Carlos Gardel here
2- Hugo del Carril
Hugo del Carril was a wonderful and versatile artist because, besides being a singer, he was also a writer, director, and actor in cinema. He came to Tango due to his admiration for Carlos Gardel, the ultimate Tango icon. He had a strong voice tone, always categorized as Gardel-like. His career quickly rose to the top because cinema helped popularize his image throughout Latin America. His records and films had an unprecedented distribution, making del Carril one of the first celebrities in Latin music.
3- Libertad Lamarque
Libertad Lamarque was known as “The Sweetheart of America” due to her undisputed popularity throughout the continent. She lived in Mexico from 1946, where she continued her career as an actress. Her voice was sharp, and her image inspired tenderness. Her version of “Madreselva” is memorable. She also recorded in Cuba and the United States. She died at the age of 92, three years after recording her last album. Lamarque left over 800 recordings in various genres.
4- Anibal Troilo
Aníbal Troilo, known as “Pichuco,” was one of the greatest bandoneon players. To talk about Troilo is to refer to monumental orchestras in crowded dance halls. His Tango makes people dance or sheds tears due to its melancholy. As the director of the Orquesta Típica and the Cuarteto Aníbal Troilo, he made history with instrumental and sung Tangos. Songs like “Sur” and “Garúa” are examples of his particular style of feeling the rhythm.
Learn more about Anibal Troilo here
5- Enrique Santos Discepolo
Undoubtedly, Discépolo was the “Philosopher of Tango.” The lyrics of his songs are often cited in academic documents. Tracks like “Yira, yira,” “Cambalache,” and “Uno” are some of his reflections on human life in the 20th century. His songs are mandatory in the repertoire of any Tango lover because the audience will always contemplate his thoughts.
Learn more about Enrique Santos Discepolo here
6- Astor Piazzolla
Ástor Piazzolla The history of Tango was split in two with the appearance of Ástor Piazzolla. A bandoneonist who lived as a child in New York, where he learned the tricks of jazz. Upon his return to Buenos Aires in the late thirties, Piazzolla entered the orchestra circuit. His arrangements revolutionized this dance, and he is considered the founder of Nuevo Tango. He broke all the rules and worked on lyrics with the poet Horacio Ferrer, with whom he created the acclaimed song “Balada para un loco.”
Learn more about Astor Piazzolla here
7- Osvaldo Pugliese
Osvaldo Pugliese was an Argentine tango musician, composer, and bandleader known for his innovative approach to Tango music. He was born on December 2, 1905, in Buenos Aires and died on July 25, 1995. Pugliese’s music often featured complex arrangements and rich harmonies, pushing the boundaries of traditional Tango. He started his own orchestra in 1939, which became one of the most renowned in Tango history. Pugliese’s music is characterized by its intensity, passion, and profound emotional depth, earning him the nickname “El Maestro del Tango.” His compositions, such as “La Yumba” and “Recuerdo,” are Tango classics beloved by dancers and listeners worldwide. Pugliese’s influence extends beyond Tango, impacting generations of musicians and composers across different genres. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the evolution of Tango music to this day.
Learn more about Osvaldo Pugliese here
8- Tita Merello
Osvaldo Pugliese was an Argentine tango musician, composer, and bandleader known for his innovative approach to Tango music. He was born on December 2, 1905, in Buenos Aires and died on July 25, 1995. Pugliese’s music often featured complex arrangements and rich harmonies, pushing the boundaries of traditional Tango. He started his own orchestra in 1939, which became one of the most renowned in Tango history. Pugliese’s music is characterized by its intensity, passion, and profound emotional depth, earning him the nickname “El Maestro del Tango.” His compositions, such as “La Yumba” and “Recuerdo,” are Tango classics beloved by dancers and listeners worldwide. Pugliese’s influence extends beyond Tango, impacting generations of musicians and composers across different genres. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the evolution of Tango music to this day.
