Carlos Gardel
Carlos Gardel
- Full name: Carlos Gardel
- Born: December 11, 1890, Tacuarembó, Uruguay
- Died: June 24, 1935, Medellín, Colombia
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter, actor
- Genres: Tango, milonga, vals
- Years active: 1913-1935
- Labels: Odeon, Electra, Columbia, Victor
Early Life and Career
Carlos Gardel was born on December 11, 1890, in Tacuarembó, Uruguay. His parents were Berta Gardès and Carlos Escayola, both of whom were French immigrants. Gardel began singing at a young age, and by the time he was 18, he was performing professionally in cafés and bars in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In 1913, Gardel recorded his first song, "Mi noche triste" ("My Sad Night"). The song was a success, and Gardel soon became one of the most popular tango singers in Argentina. In the 1920s, Gardel began touring internationally, and he quickly became a global phenomenon. He performed in Europe, North America, and Latin America, and he was even invited to sing at the White House.
The Golden Age of Tango
The 1920s and 1930s were known as the "Golden Age of Tango", and Gardel was at the forefront of the movement. He recorded dozens of hit songs, including "La cumparsita" ("The Carnival"), "El día que me quieras" ("The Day You Love Me"), and "Por una cabeza" ("For a Head"). Gardel's songs were known for their beautiful melodies, passionate lyrics, and his unique singing style.
Death and Legacy
In 1935, Gardel died in a plane crash in Medellín, Colombia. He was only 44 years old. His death shocked the world, and he was mourned by millions of fans around the globe. Gardel's legacy continues to live on, and he is still considered one of the greatest tango singers of all time. His songs are still popular today, and they are often performed by modern tango singers.
Personal Life
Gardel was a private person, and he rarely spoke about his personal life. He was never married, and he had no children. However, he was known to have had several romantic relationships, including one with the Argentine actress and singer Imperio Argentina.
Legacy
Carlos Gardel is considered one of the most important figures in the history of tango. His recordings have sold millions of copies worldwide, and he has been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries. In 2005, Gardel was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
