Astor Pantaleón Piazzolla, born on March 11, 1921, in Mar del Plata, Argentina, was a revolutionary Argentine tango composer, bandoneon player, and arranger. His parents were Italian immigrants, and he spent much of his childhood in New York City, where he was exposed to a diverse range of musical influences, including jazz, classical music, and the tango records his father played.

Piazzolla began playing the bandoneon at a young age and composed his first tango in 1932. He returned to Argentina in 1937 and played in various tango orchestras. His early career was marked by a struggle between traditional tango and his desire to innovate. He studied with the Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera and later with the renowned French music teacher Nadia Boulanger in Paris, who encouraged him to embrace his unique style.

Piazzolla's creation of nuevo tango incorporated elements from jazz and classical music, which initially sparked controversy in Argentina. Despite resistance, his music gained acceptance internationally, particularly in Europe and North America. He formed several ensembles, including the Octeto Buenos Aires and various quintets and sextets, through which he performed his compositions.

Piazzolla's legacy includes around 3,000 compositions and approximately 500 recordings. His notable works include "Adiós Nonino," "Balada para un loco," and collaborations with artists like Yo-Yo Ma and Gerry Mulligan. He passed away on July 4, 1992, in Buenos Aires, leaving an indelible mark on the world of tango and music at large.