Argentinian Singer Sandro Dies at 64

Posted on Jan 5th 2010 12:30PM by Mike Ayers
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Influential South American singer Sandro, known as the "Argentinian Elvis" to some, passed away Monday night due to complications due to a heart and lung he received in November 2009. Reuters reports that the 64-year-old's recent medical problems stemmed from smoking, causing chronic lung disease.

Born Roberto Sanchez in Buenos Aires, Sandro's career took off in the '60s and '70s, first as a musician with the group Los de Fuego, then as a solo musician before he finally transitioned to acting. His style first echoed that of hip-swinging Elvis Presley, but he won't be remembered for being a carbon copy of the King. Sandro developed primarily as an accomplished balladeer over the course of his career, but also was on the forefront of the Latin pop movement of the '60s.

Songs such as 'Rosa Rosa,' 'Asi' and 'Trigal, Tengo' won over legions of fans, not only in south and central Americas, but also gained a large enough following where he was not only the first Latino to play Madison Square Garden, but did so five times in the '70s. His April 1970 show at the Garden was also the first to concert to be broadcast via satellite.

As the BBC points out, Sandro recently spoke of his illness to a Buenos Aires radio station, saying "I am to blame for the condition that I am in. I deserve it, I sought it out. I picked up this damn cigarette."

He is survived by his wife, Olga Garaventa.