United Archives. In Copyright
With his pearly white smile, piercing dark eyes, carefully groomed hair and stylish outfit, this man exudes glamour and star quality – somewhat reminiscent of early 20th-century film icon Rudolph Valentino. But Carlos Gardel was a world-renowned artist in his own right. Born in Toulouse (France) to an unmarried laundress, Charles Romuald Gardès was stigmatized as a child for being born out of wedlock. In search of a better life, his mother took him on board of the SS Don Pedro to sail for Buenos Aires in early 1893. There, ‘Carlos’ soon managed to turn his musical talents into a successful career, gaining national fame with his tango-cancións. His rendition of Mi noche triste sold no less than 10.000 copies. Tours in Latin America and Europe ensued and resulted in a movie contract with Paramount. Go and discover Carlos’ singing skills and striking looks in Cuesta abajo (1934) and El día que me quieras (1935)!
