Tango in Buenos Aires, but also in Argentina as a whole, is in the blood. The streets of Buenos Aires, mainly in the areas of Downtown, the Port of Buenos Aires and the South of the City, offer testimonies and postcards impossible to ignore about how deeply rooted this musical genre is in Argentine history.
Although it is true that tango as a popular musical genre has more defenders and loyalists among older people, something logical considering that the golden age of Argentine tango took place between the 1920s and 1960s, to believe that it is a musical genre in extinction is an act of underestimation.
If you are thinking of visiting the City of Buenos Aires, you should know that tango and milonga, expressed in a myriad of iconic exponents and artists, sound in many corners and bars of the city.
But there is a debate around tango that will never and will never be completely settled: who are the most outstanding Argentine tango artists? The first place in the ranking is out of the question: Carlos Gardel. However, the lack of unanimity is very common when discussing who enters the “Pantheon” of tango referents and who does not.
In any case, this ExpatPathways article proposes a musical journey through what we consider to be the best Argentine tango artists. Men and women who have left their melodies and lyrics as a testimony of the national greatness, and waiting for those travelers, digital nomads and foreigners who wish to enter the infinite world of tango and milonga rioplatense.
Are you ready to start the journey through the best Argentine tango artists? Let’s get started!
The Best Argentine Tango Artists
1. Carlos Gardel
Carlos Gardel, the unparalleled voice of Argentine tango, tragically passed away on June 24, 1935, at the age of 44.
Known by many affectionate nicknames such as El Zorzal Criollo and El Rey del Tango, Gardel was not only a singer but also a composer and film actor whose influence on the genre is still felt today.
His career began in the lively cafes of Buenos Aires, particularly at the “O’Rondemán” in front of the Mercado del Abasto, where he would sing for locals and passersby, quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite.
Gardel’s repertoire included over 900 recordings across multiple musical styles, including tango, folklore, milongas, and rancheras.
His songs like “Volver,” “Por una cabeza,” and “Mi Buenos Aires querido” have become timeless classics, covered by countless artists across various genres. Despite his untimely death, a saying that captures his enduring legacy is, “Cada día canta mejor”
2. Roberto Goyeneche
Roberto Goyeneche, affectionately known as “El Polaco,” was born on January 29, 1926, in the Saavedra neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
Coming from a Basque family, Goyeneche discovered his passion for tango at a young age and began his singing career in 1944 at a local voice competition.
His distinctive style was marked by a deep baritone voice and a unique way of interpreting tango that connected with both old and new generations.
Throughout his career, Goyeneche became famous for his expressive phrasing and the intimate way he conveyed the emotions of tango lyrics.
He collaborated with legendary orchestras and artists, including Aníbal Troilo, Astor Piazzolla, and the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Teatro Colón.
Notable recordings include “Naranjo en flor,” “Balada para un loco,” and “Malena.” Goyeneche’s ability to blend the traditional with the modern made him a pivotal figure in the evolution of tango music.
3. Enrique Santos Discépolo
Born on March 27, 1901, in the Balvanera neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Enrique Santos Discépolo, affectionately known as Discepolín, was a prolific figure in the world of Argentine tango.
Raised by his older brother Armando after becoming an orphan, Discépolo delved into the cultural milieu of music, theater, and literature from a young age.
He made his theatrical debut at 16 and soon began writing plays and tango lyrics, such as “Qué Vachaché.” His songs were performed by iconic singers like Azucena Maizani and Carlos Gardel, with whom he shared the stage of cultural prominence.
Discépolo’s work transcended simple musical form; he captured the essence of Buenos Aires’ societal struggles through tangos like “Cambalache,” which critiqued the notorious “Década Infame” (Infamous Decade).
A fervent supporter of Peronism, he used his radio program “Mordisquito” to champion his political beliefs. His creative genius shone in the film industry too, notably with the 1951 film “El hincha.”
Discépolo’s legacy includes foundational tangos like “Yira, yira,” “Cambalache,” “Uno,” and “Cafetín de Buenos Aires,” marking him as one of the most influential tango composers, whose lyrics reflect the deep societal pains and personal struggles of 20th-century Argentina.
4. Julio Sosa
Julio María Sosa Venturini, known simply as Julio Sosa or “El Varón del Tango,” was born into a humble family on February 2, 1926, in Las Piedras, Uruguay. His early life was marked by hardship, helping his family through rural work, but he was always drawn to singing, a passion that would define his destiny.
Sosa began his professional singing career in Uruguay but quickly made his way to Buenos Aires, where he would achieve fame and become one of the most iconic tango singers of the 20th century.
Sosa’s journey in Buenos Aires began in 1949, and over the next 15 years, he sang with major orchestras including Francini-Pontier and Armando Pontier, recording hits like “Por seguidora y por fiel” and “El hijo triste.”
His collaborations with bandoneonist Leopoldo Federico in the 1960s produced some of his most memorable recordings, such as “Nada” and “En esta tarde gris.” Tragically, his promising career was cut short by a car accident in 1964, but not before he left a profound impact on the tango world.
Known for his deep, resonant voice and charismatic stage presence, Sosa remains a beloved figure in tango, celebrated for his ability to touch the soul of his audience with every performance. His life story resonates with themes of struggle, passion, and perseverance, encapsulating the spirit of tango itself.
5. Tita Merello
Born in a San Telmo tenement on October 11, 1904, Laura Ana Merello, known as Tita Merello, rose from humble beginnings to become an unforgettable icon of Argentine tango.
Losing her father at six months old and placed in an orphanage at five, Merello’s early life was marked by hardship and emotional abandonment, which profoundly influenced her personality and artistic expression.
She debuted as a chorus girl in a zarzuela at the young age of 13 and quickly moved to the renowned Teatro Maipo, where she performed her first tango, “Trago Amargo.”
Merello was known for her preference for humorous, ironic, and sarcastic tangos, earning her the nickname “the toughest in tango.” Her repertoire included deeply personal and socially critical songs like “Cambalache” and “Se dice de mi,” which reflected her testimonial style that mixed recitation with singing.
Tita also excelled in theater and film, reaching a milestone with 500 performances in “Filomena Marturano,” which she considered a validation of her diverse talents.
As one of the pioneering female tango vocalists of the 1920s, Merello’s legacy is characterized by her distinct style and her unapologetic, raw portrayal of life’s realities.
6. Hugo del Carril
Born on November 30, 1912, Hugo del Carril was destined to become a multifaceted talent in the world of Argentine tango and cinema. Initially setting out to become a tango singer, he studied under a soprano and later formed a duo with Roberto Acuña, who gave him his stage name.
Del Carril’s voice graced many stages across America, performing classics like “Percal” and “Nostalgias,” and his acting career began with the 1936 film “Los muchachos de antes no usaban gomina.”
Beyond his artistic endeavors, del Carril was a prominent figure in Argentine political and social circles. His relationship with Eva Perón and his support for Peronism marked significant turns in his career, especially his recording of the “Marcha Peronista” at Juan Domingo Perón’s request, which became a defining moment in his life.
Del Carril’s career spanned singing, acting, directing, and activism, making him one of the most influential figures in the cultural and political landscape of mid-20th-century Argentina.
7. Aníbal Troilo
Aníbal Troilo, affectionately known as “Pichuco,” was a seminal figure in the history of Argentine tango. Born in Buenos Aires, he became one of the most important bandoneonists, composers, and bandleaders in the genre.
Troilo’s career is marked by the creation of around 60 classic tangos that remain integral to the music of Buenos Aires.
He collaborated with some of the greatest poets of his time, including Homero Manzi and Enrique Santos Discépolo, to produce enduring works such as “Responso,” a tribute to Manzi, and “Mi tango triste.”
Troilo’s distinctive bandoneón playing was known for its impeccable phrasing and delicate execution, often performing with a surprisingly low volume that never overshadowed the orchestra.
His influence extended beyond music as he mentored significant singers like Roberto Goyeneche, Edmundo Rivero, and many others, shaping them through his deep respect and understanding of tango’s expressive potential.
Troilo’s contributions to tango music not only defined a whole era but also left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Argentina.
8. Mercedes Simone
Mercedes Simone, born on April 21, 1904, in Villa Elisa, Buenos Aires, was a pioneering figure in Argentine tango. Known as “La Dama del Tango,” she became one of the first voices in the transition from silent to sound cinema in Argentina with her participation in the 1933 film ¡Tango!, directed by Luis Moglia Barth.
Her singing career, marked by her contralto voice, began alongside her husband, guitarist Pablo Rodríguez, and led to recordings with major labels and performances at iconic tango venues.
Simone’s friendship with legends like Carlos Gardel and her collaborations with other renowned artists helped her forge a path that took her from local stages to international fame, captivating audiences in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Cuba.
Her film roles often mirrored her musical performances, bringing her singing talents to the big screen in films like Sombras Porteñas and La vuelta de Rocha.
Her song interpretations in these films are celebrated for their emotional depth and vocal mastery. Mercedes Simone’s legacy in tango is not only as a performer but also as an ambassador of the genre, bridging cultural gaps and bringing Argentine tango to the world.
9. Osvaldo Pugliese
Osvaldo Pedro Pugliese, born on December 2, 1905, in Villa Crespo, Buenos Aires, emerged as a towering figure in Argentine tango, credited with composing about 60 timeless pieces that are staples in the genre.
Pugliese’s musical journey began under the tutelage of his father, Adolfo, and eventually led him to profound collaborations with notable poets, crafting classics like “Barrio de tango” and “La última curda.”
His orchestral contributions were significant, with his band becoming a mainstay in tango music for over 55 years despite facing political censorship.
Pugliese was not only a musician but also a staunch advocate for artists’ rights, instrumental in founding the Sindicato Argentino de Músicos. His legacy includes international honors and a deep influence on the musical community, evidenced by the mythical “San Pugliese” invoked for good luck by performers.
10. Astor Piazzolla
Astor Pantaleón Piazzolla, born on March 11, 1921, in Mar del Plata, transformed the traditional Argentine tango into a new genre known as nuevo tango by incorporating elements from jazz, classical music, and rock.
Piazzolla’s introduction to music began in New York with his first bandoneón, leading to a lifelong journey of innovation and exploration.
He studied with the likes of Alberto Ginastera and Nadia Boulanger, who encouraged him to embrace his tango roots. Piazzolla’s ensembles, especially the Quinteto Tango Nuevo, pushed musical boundaries and altered the tango soundscape.
Despite facing criticism from traditionalists who viewed him as a disruptor, Piazzolla’s compositions like “Libertango” and “Adiós Nonino” became iconic, cementing his status as a pivotal figure in modern music and earning him international acclaim. His extensive work reshaped not just tango but also the global perception of Argentine music.
11. Alberto Castillo
Alberto Castillo, born on December 7, 1914, in Buenos Aires, made a significant switch from his career as a gynecologist to pursue his passion for tango and acting.
Known for his unique vocal style and rhythmic sense, Castillo became a major proponent of the candombe rhythm and milonga, introducing Afro-Rioplatense elements into his performances.
He gained immense popularity with his rendition of “Cien Barrios Porteños,” earning him the title “Cantor de los cien barrios porteños.” Esteemed contemporaries like Aníbal Troilo praised him for his perfect pitch.
Castillo’s contributions to the tango genre were not just limited to singing; he also penned lyrics for numerous songs, blending traditional tango with contemporary themes, making his mark as an innovative artist in the Argentine music scene.
12. Francisco Canaro
Francisco Canaro, born on November 26, 1888, in San José de Mayo, Uruguay, was a foundational figure in the development of tango as a violinist, composer, and bandleader.
His musical journey was characterized by a versatile approach that allowed him to adapt to the changing tastes of his audience over the decades.
Canaro’s repertoire included over 3,500 songs, with hits like “Sentimiento gaucho” and “Madreselva.” He was not only a key figure in the tango scene but also contributed significantly to musical theater in Buenos Aires, skillfully blending minimal narratives with elaborate musical performances.
His ability to rejuvenate old tangos and integrate them into contemporary settings showcased his unique talent and enduring influence in Latin American music.
13. Libertad Lamarque
Libertad Lamarque, born on November 24, 1908, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, rose to prominence as a distinguished actress and tango singer. Her acting career began at the tender age of seven in anarchist plays inspired by her father’s political beliefs.
By the 1920s, she was making waves in Buenos Aires, becoming one of the pioneering female tango singers to record with RCA Victor. Lamarque’s film debut in “Adiós, Argentina” (1930) marked the beginning of an illustrious cinematic journey, culminating in her acclaimed role in “El alma del bandoneón” (1935).
Following a well-publicized altercation with Eva Duarte, later Eva Perón, during the filming of “La cabalgata del circo” (1945), Lamarque relocated to Mexico where she continued her successful film career and became known as “the Bride of America.”
Throughout her life, Lamarque received numerous accolades, including the Ariel de Oro award for her lifetime achievements, and remained active in the entertainment industry until her death in 2000.
14. Rodolfo Biagi
Rodolfo Biagi, born on March 14, 1906, in the San Telmo district of Buenos Aires, emerged as a pivotal figure in the world of Argentine tango.
Known by his nickname “manos brujas” (magical hands), Biagi’s musical journey began with his defiance of parental wishes, choosing the piano over the violin.
His association with the orchestra of Juan D’Arienzo between 1935 and 1938 marked his introduction to the tango scene, after which he formed his own orchestra. Biagi’s playing style was characterized by a brisk tempo that appealed immensely to dancers.
His compositions, such as the tango “Indiferencia” and the milonga “Campo afuera,” are celebrated for their simplicity and emotional depth.
Biagi’s dedication to the essence of tango music made a lasting impact on the genre, reinforcing the importance of straightforwardness in its evolving narrative.
15. Edmundo Rivero
Edmundo Leonel Rivero, born on June 8, 1911, in Valentín Alsina, was a foundational figure in Argentine tango, celebrated for his distinctive bass voice and deep interpretations of tango music. Rivero’s early exposure to music, guided by his family and particularly his uncle who taught him guitar, fostered his love for the art.
His career took a professional turn when he joined the orchestras of notable musicians like Aníbal Troilo, replacing tenor Alberto Marino and introducing a profound, bass-heavy vocal style to the tango scene, which was traditionally dominated by tenor voices. His renditions of classics such as “Sur” and “El último organito” are especially memorable, capturing the melancholic spirit of Buenos Aires.
Beyond his contributions as a vocalist, Rivero was deeply connected to the cultural fabric of tango through his engagement with lunfardo, the unique Buenos Aires slang. He was passionate about the authenticity of this language, distinguishing between “reo,” the language of the honest working-class, and “lunfardo,” the jargon of the streets. This cultural depth enriched his music, making his performances resonate with genuine Porteño sentiment.
Rivero’s impact extended internationally through tours, bringing Argentine tango to global audiences and popularizing it through television and radio, particularly with his iconic performance of “Cafetín de Buenos Aires.”
(Featured Image Source: John Whalen/flickr.com)
