Isn’t it remarkable how a single plaque can encapsulate a lifetime? This is the Roberto Goyeneche Plaque. It honors a tango legend. Roberto Goyeneche was born in Saavedra Buenos Aires. He was born January 29 1926.
This plaque commemorates Roberto Goyeneche. He was also known as El Polaco. El Polaco’s voice resonated through Buenos Aires. He was a singer actor and composer. His interpretations of tango were unique. He had a particular way of phrasing with rubato. Many consider him one of tango’s greatest interpreters.
Before fame he drove a bus. He drove line 19. He also worked as a taxi driver and mechanic. His heart belonged to Club Atlético Platense. He was a passionate fan.
Goyeneche’s career began in 1944. He won a singing contest at eighteen. Soon after he joined Raúl Kaplún’s orchestra. His style was rooted in the Gardel tradition. He developed a distinct personal style. It was known for its interpretive quality. It was also known for his baritone vocal range.
In 1952 Horacio Salgán asked him to join his orchestra. He replaced Horacio Deval. He shared credits with Ángel Díaz. Díaz nicknamed him El Polaco. This was because of his fair hair.
He recorded four tracks with Horacio Salgán for RCA Víctor. These included Alma de loca. He recorded Yo soy el mismo. He also recorded Un momento and Siga el corso. He continued recording with Salgán in 1954.
1956 was a pivotal year. Goyeneche became the singer for Aníbal Troilo’s orchestra. He admired Troilo. They became close friends. Together they recorded 26 songs.
Troilo encouraged him to go solo in 1963. Armando Cupo Luis Stazo and Mario Monteleone formed Trío Los Modernos. They accompanied Goyeneche. They recorded Frente al mar and No nos veremos más. They also recorded Que falta que me haces and Carrusel.
As a soloist Goyeneche collaborated with Troilo again. They created Nuestro Buenos Aires in 1968. They also created ¿Te acordás Polaco? in 1971.
By the mid-1960s Goyeneche was a celebrated soloist. He worked with Armando Pontier and Ernesto Baffa. He also worked with Osvaldo Berlingieri and Raúl Garello. He frequented Buenos Aires’ tango venues. Caño 14 was a favorite. He became a prominent figure in the city’s bohemian scene.
In 1969 he recorded Balada para un loco and Chiquilín de Bachín. These were by Astor Piazzolla and Horacio Ferrer. The release was artistically daring. The first song had caused a scandal. It sparked debate about tango. Goyeneche collaborated with Astor Piazzolla’s quintet. This happened again briefly in 1982.
He continued his solo career in the 1970s. He collaborated with Atilio Stampone. These recordings were significant. His innovative arrangements immortalized tangos.
Though he faced respiratory issues in the 1980s Goyeneche continued performing. He also kept recording albums. His work gained recognition from new generations. Musicians from the rock scene appreciated him. He contributed to soundtracks for films. These included El exilio de Gardel and Sur. He also acted in Fernando Pino Solanas’ Sur.
Roberto Goyeneche died August 27 1994. He died of pneumonia. He was 68 years old. Critics considered him one of the best tango singers.
In 1985 he received the Konex Award. It recognized him as one of Argentina’s best tango singers. The city honored him with a street name in Saavedra. This plaque stands as a testament. It is a testament to his enduring legacy. It reminds us of El Polaco’s voice. It reminds us of his passion. It reminds us of his contribution to tango.