Tango music echoes in the air. Here before us lies the final resting place of Carlos Gardel. Gardel is more than just a name. He is an icon. He is the King of Tango. His story is Argentina’s story.
Carlos Gardel was born Charles Romuald Gardès in Toulouse France. It was December 11 1890. Gardel embodies the soul of tango. Gardel died too soon at age 44.
Gardel’s journey began in France. He and his mother Berthe Gardès set sail for Buenos Aires. Gardel grew up in the San Nicolás district. Friends and family called him Carlos.
Gardel began his singing career in bars. He sang with Francisco Martino. Later he sang with José Razzano. In 1917 Gardel created the tango canción with Mi Noche Triste. It sold 10000 copies. It became a hit throughout Latin America.
Gardel toured Argentina Uruguay Chile Brazil. He performed in Puerto Rico Venezuela Colombia Paris New York Barcelona and Madrid. Gardel sold 70000 records in Paris in three months. Gardel made movies for Paramount in France and the U.S.
Gardel’s romantic life was kept secret. He had one major girlfriend Isabel del Valle. They were close for more than a decade. Gardel and del Valle were not seen together in public very often. Gardel wanted to maintain his image.
Gardel died in a plane crash in Medellin Colombia. The crash occurred on June 24 1935. Lyricist Alfredo Le Pera and guitarists Guillermo Barbieri and Ángel Domingo Riverol also died. Millions of fans mourned Gardel’s death.
His body was taken from Colombia through New York City and Rio de Janeiro. Thousands paid their respects in Montevideo. Gardel’s body was laid to rest in La Chacarita Cemetery in Buenos Aires.
Gardel’s birthplace was a controversy. Some say he was born in Tacuarembó Uruguay. Scholarly researchers say he was born in Toulouse. He later obtained papers saying he was born in Uruguay.
Gardel sought Uruguayan citizenship in 1920. He did this to avoid problems with French authorities. He was required to register with the French military during World War I. Uruguay maintained a neutrality policy during the war.
Gardel’s legacy is intimately tied with tango. Gardel is still revered from Tokyo to Buenos Aires. A popular saying in Argentina claims Gardel sings better every day. “Cada día canta mejor”.
The Carlos Gardel Museum opened in 2003. It is located in the Abasto neighborhood. It is in a house Gardel bought for his mother in 1927. From 1927 to 1933 he also lived there.
So here we stand. We honor Carlos Gardel. His music lives on. His legend endures.