The Legacy of Carlos Gardel
Carlos Gardel, born in France in 1890, moved to Argentina as a child and soon became a cultural icon. He began his career as a folk singer but quickly embraced tango—a genre born in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the late 19th century. With its European and African roots, tango is known for its rhythmic intricacy, melancholic lyrics, and passionate expression.
Gardel was more than a singer. He was a gifted composer and a film star. With over 900 songs to his name—many co-written with lyricist Alfredo Le Pera—he became known worldwide as “the King of Tango.” His fame reached beyond Argentina, as he starred in films both at home and in Hollywood, becoming a voice that represented the spirit of an entire nation.
In 1935, Gardel tragically died in a plane crash in Colombia while touring Latin America. His death at the age of 44 shocked the continent. Thousands attended his funeral, and his remains were laid to rest in Buenos Aires, where his grave continues to receive visitors. His songs live on as timeless classics of tango and world music.
My Journey with the Tango
After watching Scent of a Woman, I became deeply moved by Carlos Gardel’s music. I immersed myself in his work—buying albums, watching films, reading biographies, and studying his voice. Naturally, I wanted to play his songs on my guitar.
I searched online for guitar arrangements of his music and began practicing. I quickly realized that tango demands more than technical skill—it asks for emotion, nuance, and soul. It’s not enough to play the notes; you must make your guitar speak and weep, just as Gardel did with his voice.
I spent countless hours honing my technique and interpretation. I watched performances by other guitarists, learning that each had a unique voice within the tango tradition. That inspired me to develop my own style—to find a personal way of expressing this beautiful music.
One of the pieces I worked on the most was Por una cabeza, the song featured in the movie. I was captivated by its melody, rhythm, and depth. Interestingly, it wasn’t the producers’ first choice—they initially considered Volver, another iconic tango by Gardel. However, the director felt Por una cabeza better matched the scene’s sensual and dramatic tone. Volver, he thought, was too melancholic for that moment.
Later, I learned to play Volver as well. Its reflective and poetic quality resonated with me. While it differs from Por una cabeza in tone and tempo, it carries a deep emotional message about memory, loss, and hope. It’s a tango that speaks directly to the soul.
My Gift to You
To share my love for Gardel’s music, I recorded guitar versions of Por una cabeza and Volver. You can watch them on my YouTube channel here:
You’ll also find my recordings on Spotify, Amazon, and Apple Music. Just search for “Roberto Pugliese” to discover my full catalog of tango and other genres.
If you’d like to play these songs yourself, you can download the scores from my website. Visit www.robertopugliese.com to find everything you need, including more music, videos, and information about my work.
I also perform regularly at live events. Check my concert schedule online if you’d like to experience these tangos live. I’d be delighted to see you there and share this music with you in person.
Thank You for Reading and Listening
I hope this article and my recordings have brought you closer to the magic of Carlos Gardel. May his music stir your heart, as it has stirred mine. Let the tango move you—maybe even make you dance, even if only in your mind.
Thank you for reading and listening.
Roberto Pugliese