Carlos Gardel

Although his life ended at age 45, tango singer and composer Carlos Gardel is credited with popularizing the form on an international level, as well as the creation of the tango-canción (tango song) in 1917. The composer of several well-known tangos, including "Mi Buenos Aires Querido" (in 1934 with lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera) and "El Dia Que Me Quieras," Gardel spent his infancy in Uruguay before moving to Buenos Aires, and began his musical career around the turn of the century playing in the local bars.

At 21 he signed with Colombia Records, and later formed his partnership with José Razzano, a tenor and guitarist who was the perfect compliment to Gardel's baritone. The duo composed, recorded and toured together until 1925, when Razzano gave up singing due to damage in his vocal chords. Meanwhile, Gardel embarked on an illustrious solo career for 10 years, including appearances in numerous films and recordings and toured throughout the globe.

Gardel's life ended tragically in a plane crash on June 24, 1935, along with lyricist and collaborator Alfredo Le Pera, and the international community mourned the loss of one of the greatest figures in Latin American song. —Rebeca Mauleon