Agustín Lara
Agustín Lara, born Ángel Agustín María Carlos Fausto Mariano Alfonso del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Lara y Aguirre del Pino on October 30, 1897, in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, was a celebrated Mexican composer and performer renowned for his boleros. Lara's career spanned nearly 70 years, during which he composed over 600 songs, earning him international acclaim as one of Mexico's most beloved musicians. His compositions, including "Granada," "Solamente Una Vez (You Belong to My Heart)," and "Piensa en mí," have been performed by numerous notable artists worldwide, such as Pedro Vargas, Javier Solís, and Luis Miguel.
Lara's early exposure to music came from his father, a doctor and pianist, and his aunt Refugio, who nurtured his musical talents. Despite a tumultuous relationship with his father, Lara's passion for music persisted, leading him to perform in cabarets and eventually on radio, where he gained a national following. His career was marked by a distinctive blend of musical styles, including tango, waltz, and early jazz, which he infused into his romantic ballads.
Lara's influence extended beyond Mexico, with his work being celebrated in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Spain. He was honored by Spanish dictator Francisco Franco with a house in Granada and received accolades from various international leaders. Lara was affectionately known as "Flaco de Oro" and left a lasting legacy in Latin American music. He passed away on November 6, 1970, in Mexico City and was laid to rest in the Rotonda de las Personas Ilustres.
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