Carlos Gardel, born on December 11, 1890, was a French-Argentine singer, songwriter, composer, and actor, often heralded as the most prominent figure in the history of tango. Known for his baritone voice and his significant contribution to the evolution of tango, his life and music continue to be celebrated more than a century after his birth.
Early life
Gardel’s exact place of birth and real name have been a subject of considerable debate, but the most accepted theory is that he was born as Charles Romuald Gardès in Toulouse, France, to unmarried 25-year-old laundress Berthe Gardès. Carlos and his mother migrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina, when he was about three years old. He grew up in the Abasto neighborhood of Buenos Aires, which was a melting pot of cultures with a thriving music and dance scene.
Gardel dropped out of school early and earned a living by singing and playing the guitar on the streets of Buenos Aires. Despite the hardships of his early life, he was known for his charm and good looks, which he used to his advantage in his performances.
Career
In his early career, Gardel sang a wide variety of songs, including folklore, waltzes, zarzuelas, and operettas. However, his big break came in 1917 with his rendition of “Mi Noche Triste” (My Sad Night), which is often considered the first sentimental tango song. The song’s success transformed tango from a dance genre to a song genre and helped establish Gardel’s reputation as a leading vocalist.
During the 1920s, Gardel embarked on a series of successful tours around Latin America, performing in cities such as Montevideo, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Porto Alegre. He also started acting in silent films during this period, which increased his popularity.
Gardel began his international career in 1928, when he performed in Paris, France. He was met with widespread acclaim and became an international star, acting in movies and recording music in the United States. During this period, Gardel’s style evolved, and he became more refined and expressive, which further expanded his appeal. He was also a talented composer, writing several of his own songs.
Gardel was an early pioneer of film sound and made several musical films during the early 1930s, such as “Lights of Buenos Aires” (1931), “Espérame” (1933), and “El día que me quieras” (1935). His film career boosted his international profile and made him one of the biggest Latin American stars of the period.
Death and legacy
Gardel’s career was tragically cut short when he died in an airplane crash in Medellín, Colombia, on June 24, 1935. He was in the midst of a tour and had just performed a series of concerts in Colombia. His sudden death at the height of his fame led to a massive outpouring of grief in Latin America and around the world.
Today, Carlos Gardel is remembered as the most influential figure in the history of tango. He is revered for his rich baritone voice, his charismatic stage presence, and his profound influence on the evolution of tango music. His songs, such as “El día que me quieras,” “Mi Buenos Aires querido,” and “Volver,” remain staples in the tango repertoire.
Several statues, museums, and plaques commemorate Gardel in Buenos Aires and other parts of the world. The house where he lived in Buenos Aires has been turned into a museum, the Casa Museo Carlos Gardel, preserving his memory and legacy. His image is a recurrent motif in Buenos Aires, a testament to his enduring influence.
Beyond the specifics of his life and death, Gardel has come to symbolize the romance, the passion, and the sorrow of the tango, a music genre that Argentina has gifted to the world. His image, his music, and his persona continue to shape the world’s understanding of tango, making him a timeless figure in the annals of popular music.
Carlos Gardel (1890 – 1935)
Carlos Gardel, born on December 11, 1890, was a French-Argentine singer, songwriter, composer, and actor, often heralded as the most prominent figure in the history of tango. Known for his baritone voice and his significant contribution to the evolution of tango, his life and music continue to be celebrated more than a century after his birth.
Early life
Gardel’s exact place of birth and real name have been a subject of considerable debate, but the most accepted theory is that he was born as Charles Romuald Gardès in Toulouse, France, to unmarried 25-year-old laundress Berthe Gardès. Carlos and his mother migrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina, when he was about three years old. He grew up in the Abasto neighborhood of Buenos Aires, which was a melting pot of cultures with a thriving music and dance scene.
Gardel dropped out of school early and earned a living by singing and playing the guitar on the streets of Buenos Aires. Despite the hardships of his early life, he was known for his charm and good looks, which he used to his advantage in his performances.
Career
In his early career, Gardel sang a wide variety of songs, including folklore, waltzes, zarzuelas, and operettas. However, his big break came in 1917 with his rendition of “Mi Noche Triste” (My Sad Night), which is often considered the first sentimental tango song. The song’s success transformed tango from a dance genre to a song genre and helped establish Gardel’s reputation as a leading vocalist.
During the 1920s, Gardel embarked on a series of successful tours around Latin America, performing in cities such as Montevideo, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Porto Alegre. He also started acting in silent films during this period, which increased his popularity.
Gardel began his international career in 1928, when he performed in Paris, France. He was met with widespread acclaim and became an international star, acting in movies and recording music in the United States. During this period, Gardel’s style evolved, and he became more refined and expressive, which further expanded his appeal. He was also a talented composer, writing several of his own songs.
Gardel was an early pioneer of film sound and made several musical films during the early 1930s, such as “Lights of Buenos Aires” (1931), “Espérame” (1933), and “El día que me quieras” (1935). His film career boosted his international profile and made him one of the biggest Latin American stars of the period.
Death and legacy
Gardel’s career was tragically cut short when he died in an airplane crash in Medellín, Colombia, on June 24, 1935. He was in the midst of a tour and had just performed a series of concerts in Colombia. His sudden death at the height of his fame led to a massive outpouring of grief in Latin America and around the world.
Today, Carlos Gardel is remembered as the most influential figure in the history of tango. He is revered for his rich baritone voice, his charismatic stage presence, and his profound influence on the evolution of tango music. His songs, such as “El día que me quieras,” “Mi Buenos Aires querido,” and “Volver,” remain staples in the tango repertoire.
Several statues, museums, and plaques commemorate Gardel in Buenos Aires and other parts of the world. The house where he lived in Buenos Aires has been turned into a museum, the Casa Museo Carlos Gardel, preserving his memory and legacy. His image is a recurrent motif in Buenos Aires, a testament to his enduring influence.
Beyond the specifics of his life and death, Gardel has come to symbolize the romance, the passion, and the sorrow of the tango, a music genre that Argentina has gifted to the world. His image, his music, and his persona continue to shape the world’s understanding of tango, making him a timeless figure in the annals of popular music.
Discography
TRPTK nine-year anniversary sampler
Various Artists
Voces de Bronce
Jonatan Alvarado
Jessica Denys