Paying homage to a legend, the Pedro Vargas Bust stands here. It honors the celebrated Mexican tenor and actor. He was a star from the golden age of Mexican cinema. This bust immortalizes Pedro Vargas in Madrid’s Retiro Park.
Pedro Vargas was born on April 29, 1906. His birthplace was San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico. He passed away on October 30, 1989. He died in Mexico City at the age of 83.
Known by many names, Pedro Vargas was called the Nightingale of the Americas. He was also known as the Song Samurai or Continental Tenor. His talent spanned across more than 70 films. His career began in 1928. It lasted until his death in 1989.
Though trained in opera, Pedro Vargas chose popular song. He gained international fame. He became a leading interpreter of Agustín Lara’s music.
From humble beginnings, Pedro Vargas sang in his church choir at age seven. At 14, he moved to Mexico City in 1920. He sang in church choirs. He also gave serenades. He earned a scholarship at Colegio Francés de La Salle. There, he studied piano and solfeggio. He met Mario Talavera who became his mentor. José Pierson also guided him. During this time, he met Jorge Negrete. He also met Alfonso Ortiz Tirado and Juan Arvizu. José Mojica recommended him to Alejandro Cuevas. Cuevas offered him free lessons.
His opera debut was on January 22, 1928. He performed in “Cavalleria Rusticana” at the Teatro Esperanza. José Pierson recommended him for this role. He toured the United States with the Orquesta Típica de Miguel Lerdo de Tejada.
Pedro Vargas recorded two compositions in Buenos Aires. These were “Porteñita mía” and “Me fui” for RCA Victor. Agüero Pepe played the piano. Elvino Vardaro played the violin.
He married María Teresa Camo Jáuregui on September 12, 1931. She was from Querétaro. They had four children: Pedro, Mario, Marcelo, and Alejandro.
Pedro Vargas excelled. He interpreted Agustín Lara. He also performed music from other Latin American composers. His music resonated in Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela. His extensive repertoire included lyrical songs. “Jinetes en el Cielo” was among them. He sang ranchera songs like “Allá en el Rancho Grande”. Boleros like “Obsesión” were also his specialty. He sang “Obsesión” as a duet with Beny Moré. Nostalgic songs such as “Alfonsina y el mar” completed his collection. The public rightfully named Pedro Vargas “The Nightingale of the Americas”.
The Pedro Vargas Bust you see was created by Luis Antonio Sanguino. Sanguino was born in 1934. The bust was inaugurated on March 28, 1991. This monument stands as a testament to his enduring influence. It is located on Paseo Panamá. The bust reminds us of Pedro Vargas’s unforgettable voice and contributions.