Juan D'Arienzo, born on December 14, 1900, in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Balvanera, was a prominent Argentine tango musician, composer, and band leader known as "El Rey del Compás" (The King of the Beat). He was the son of Italian immigrants and began his musical career at a young age, playing the violin with Angel D’Agostino. In 1928, he formed his own orchestra, which became one of the "Big Four" orchestras of Argentine tango.

D'Arienzo's orchestra was renowned for its lively beat and strong rhythm, making it ideal for dancing. His first notable performance was in 1919 at the Nacional theater in the play "El cabaret Montmartre." He gained the nickname "Rey del Compás" while performing at the Florida cabaret, a title he embraced due to his orchestra's vibrant and energetic style.

Throughout his career, D'Arienzo recorded with labels like Electra and Victor, producing over 1,000 tangos, milongas, and fast valses. His orchestra's lineup evolved over time, with significant contributions from musicians like pianist Rodolfo Biagi, who joined in 1935 and introduced a rhythmic change that propelled D'Arienzo to success during the Golden Age of tango. Biagi's departure in 1938 led to further changes, but D'Arienzo quickly reassembled his orchestra, continuing to innovate and captivate audiences.

D'Arienzo's music was often accompanied by renowned singers such as Alberto Echagüe, Armando Laborde, and Héctor Maure. His orchestra's recordings, including hits like "Desde el Alma" and "El Flete," are still celebrated in milongas across Buenos Aires.

Juan D'Arienzo passed away on January 14, 1976, and was interred in La Chacarita Cemetery in Buenos Aires. His legacy endures as a defining figure in the history of tango music, known for his dynamic orchestral style and lasting impact on the genre.