Carlos Gardel Biography - A Very Quick Guide
Artist:
Carlos Gardel
Born:
11 December 1890
Died:
24 June 1935
Carlos Gardel (born Charles Romuald Gardès, 11 December 1890 – 24 June 1935) was a French-born Argentine singer, songwriter, composer and actor, and the most iconic figure in the history of tango. Known for his rich baritone/tenor voice and distinctive phrasing, he became one of the most influential popular musicians of the early 20th century. With lyricist Alfredo Le Pera, he created several classic tangos.
Born in Toulouse, Gardel emigrated with his mother to Buenos Aires in 1893, growing up in the San Nicolás district. He began singing in cafés and soon formed duos and trios before launching a solo career. His 1917 recording of “Mi noche triste” - considered the first tango-canción - made him famous across Latin America. Gardel toured widely, recorded extensively, and starred in a series of successful films for Paramount in France and the United States.
Gardel carefully guarded his romantic life, maintaining a discreet long-term relationship with Isabel del Valle in the 1920s. His career ended abruptly when he died in a plane crash in Medellín, Colombia, in 1935, an event that plunged the Spanish-speaking world into mourning. He is buried in La Chacarita Cemetery, Buenos Aires.
A long-standing dispute over his birthplace was settled through archival research confirming Toulouse, 1890, despite later claims that he was born in Tacuarembó, Uruguay. The myth largely stemmed from false papers Gardel filed in 1920 to avoid complications with French military registration.
Gardel remains “El Zorzal,” “El Mago,” and the enduring voice of tango.
Born in Toulouse, Gardel emigrated with his mother to Buenos Aires in 1893, growing up in the San Nicolás district. He began singing in cafés and soon formed duos and trios before launching a solo career. His 1917 recording of “Mi noche triste” - considered the first tango-canción - made him famous across Latin America. Gardel toured widely, recorded extensively, and starred in a series of successful films for Paramount in France and the United States.
Gardel carefully guarded his romantic life, maintaining a discreet long-term relationship with Isabel del Valle in the 1920s. His career ended abruptly when he died in a plane crash in Medellín, Colombia, in 1935, an event that plunged the Spanish-speaking world into mourning. He is buried in La Chacarita Cemetery, Buenos Aires.
A long-standing dispute over his birthplace was settled through archival research confirming Toulouse, 1890, despite later claims that he was born in Tacuarembó, Uruguay. The myth largely stemmed from false papers Gardel filed in 1920 to avoid complications with French military registration.
Gardel remains “El Zorzal,” “El Mago,” and the enduring voice of tango.
Top Pieces on 8notes by Carlos Gardel