Esteban Celedonio Flores
Celedonio Esteban Flores, born on August 3, 1896, in Villa Crespo, Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a prominent Argentine poet and tango lyricist known for his deep sensitivity and popularity within the bohemian circles of Buenos Aires. He was affectionately nicknamed "El negro Cele." Flores was a versatile figure, engaging in professions such as journalism, broadcasting, and even boxing during his youth.
Flores's work was characterized by the use of lunfardo, the local slang of the Río de la Plata region, and often carried sententious and moralizing tones. His creative peak spanned the 1920s and early 1930s, during which he became widely recognized for his tango lyrics. In 1920, he submitted a poem titled "Por la pinta" to the newspaper Última hora, which caught the attention of Carlos Gardel and José Razzano, leading to the creation of the tango "Margot." This tango, along with others like "Mano a mano," became significant hits, with Gardel recording 21 of Flores's compositions.
Flores's tangos often depicted the struggles and stories of ordinary people, using his poetic voice to critique social issues, as seen in works like "Pan," which addressed the hardships following the 1930 economic crisis. Despite his success, Flores faced challenges during the cultural repression initiated by the military dictatorship in 1943, which banned his work from public performance. Although he attempted to adapt to these restrictions, the economic impact was severe.
Celedonio Flores passed away on July 28, 1947, in his hometown of Villa Crespo, Buenos Aires, and was buried in the Cementerio de la Chacarita. His legacy endures through his contributions to tango and Argentine literature, with his works continuing to be celebrated and performed by various artists.