Though there is some controversy surrounding his origins, it is generally accepted that Carlos Gardel was born around December 11, 1890 in Toulouse, France - he was to become the most famous tango singer Argentina has known.

His mother, whose name was Berthe Gardes, took him to Buenos Aires in 1893, leaving behind a father who refused to accept him. Gardel loved to sing and was a frequent visitor to local cafés. His first gig was probably at the O'Rodemann café and it was round about this time, at the age of 20 that he changed his name to Gardel. A year later he met José Rassano and singing becomes his career when they begin to perform as a duo.

Gardel's first hit

His success began with his 1917 song, Mi Noche Triste,  which sold a record 100,000 copies in 1917. It was the first truly popular tango song and led to the singer touring South America, and the capitals of Europe.

"The tango is like a lullaby that gets in your ear and never goes away," Gardel quoted in Noticias Gráficas, Sept 21, 1933 

In 1918 Gardel and his friend José joined the orchestra of Roberto Firpo and together they toured Argentina for the next couple years. They would also make a number of recordings, but in 1920 José had a throat operation and performances were suspended. Five years later, Razzano's throat would cause him to give up singing. But he and Gardel remained partners and in 1925 Razzano became Gardel's manager. From 1925 Gardel sang solo. He was very popular in Europe, particularly in Spain and he travelled to Europe frequently. His popularity at home and abroad soared at this time and he recorded hit after hit, his fame bolstered by movies, radio and performances. Gardel was not a great actor but the films were a great vehicle for his singing talents - El dia que me quieras is one of the best examples.

Among the tangos written by Gardel and still popular today are Mi Buenos Aires Querido, Soledad, Volver, Por Una Cabeza and El dia que me quieras.

 A great lover?

Though Gardel was the heart throb of many women, he was not known for his love affairs. In 1920 he met a school girl, Isabel del Valle, who was only 14 at the time. The pair had an on again off again relationship, but never married.

Gardel's life was cut short in 1935 when he died in a plane crash in Colombia, but by time he had recorded  514 tangos, numerous other pieces including tango waltzes, milongas, fold songs and paso dobles. Such was his fame that is body toured New York, Rio de Janiero and Montevideo before being laid to rest at La Chacarita cemetery. Thousands mourned and he is still revered to this day in Buenos Aires. The house he lived in with his mother in Abasto, was turned into a museum and opened to the public in 2003, and a statue of the singer stands outside the Abasto Market.

It is considered by many to be an insult to his memory to dance to the songs of Carlos Gardel

Learn more about Carlos Gardel at www.gardelweb.com

Read about the fashion during Gardel's heyday here

Listen to Carlos Gardel at www.todotango.com