“Who was Oscar Larroca?” someone asks. The Monolito a Oscar Larroca Stone honors a tango singer. It stands as a testament to his contribution.
Oscar Larroca was born in Buenos Aires. He came from the Almagro neighborhood. His father was a guitarist. The father enrolled him in the National Conservatory of Music early. Oscar earned a guitar professor title. His voice drew him to singing.
In the early 1940s he debuted on Radio Mitre. It was on the program “La famosa matinee de Juan Manuel”. He continued for three years. His vocal talent became clear. He had a light baritone voice. This was complemented by clear diction.
Carmelo Santiago took interest in him. Carmelo was a well-known journalist. In 1945, he connected Oscar with Domingo Federico. Domingo was a bandoneon player. He incorporated Oscar into his orchestra. On June 19, 1945, Oscar recorded his first song. It was “Voz de Barrio”. He sang it with Carlos Vidal on RCA VICTOR. His work with Federico lasted until September 1948.
In 1948, he joined Osvaldo Manzi’s orchestra. He shared the stage with Roberto Ray. In 1949, he joined Roberto Caló’s orchestra. He recorded tangos such as “El metejón”. He also recorded “Che, bandoneón”. It was released in Great Britain by Birmingham Sound Reproducers.
In 1951, Oscar joined Alfredo de Ángelis’ orchestra. His career reached its peak here. On April 1, he debuted at the Glostora Tango Club. This was on Radio El Mundo. On May 10, 1951, he recorded his first three songs with the orchestra. These included “Por qué me das dique”. Other hits followed. These included “Almagro” and “Medallita de la Suerte”. These successes made him a tango figure in the 50s.
After leaving De Ángelis’ orchestra, he toured Latin America. He gained fans in Colombia and Peru. He also gained fans in Ecuador and Venezuela. Uruguay and Chile also loved him.
He appeared on TV shows. These included “El Tango del Millón”. He continued recording with Miguel Nijenson.
Oscar Larroca composed songs. He created “Juana Milonga Señora”. Carlos Dante recorded it with De Angelis’ orchestra. He also wrote “Engañándonos” and “No me dejes corazón”.
Five essential tangos by Oscar Larroca include “Volvamos a Empezar”. Another is “Medallita de la Suerte”. “Mi Dolor” is also essential. So is “Almagro”. Finally, there is “Bailarin Compadrito”.
The Monolito a Oscar Larroca Stone stands. It reminds us of his voice. It reminds us of his contribution to tango. It echoes through Buenos Aires. It honors a voice that once filled the air.