José Hipólito Basso, known as José Basso or Pepe to his friends, was a prominent Argentine tango musician, born on January 30, 1919, in Pergamino, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was a pianist, orchestra conductor, and composer deeply rooted in the tango tradition. Basso began his musical career at a young age, joining the orchestra of Emilio and José De Caro in 1936. Over the years, he played with several notable orchestras, including those led by Francisco Grillo, Antonio Bonavena, Anselmo Aieta, and Alberto Soifer.

In 1943, Basso joined Aníbal Troilo's orchestra as a pianist, a position he held until 1947 when he formed his own orchestra. His first singers included Ortega del Cerro and Ricardo Ruiz, and later, Francisco Fiorentino joined, contributing to the recording of songs like "Claveles blancos" and "El bulín de la calle Ayacucho." Throughout his career, Basso collaborated with many singers, such as Jorge Durán, Oscar Ferrari, Rodolfo Galé, and Alfredo Belusi.

Basso's international acclaim grew significantly after his successful tour in Japan in 1967, which extended from an intended month to a year due to his popularity. He returned to Japan in 1970 to record an album with Japanese musicians. Basso was celebrated for his interpretations of Astor Piazzolla's tangos and his compositions, which include "Once y uno," "Pecachi," and "Milonga para los orientales," the latter co-written with Jorge Luis Borges.

In recognition of his contributions to tango, Basso received the Konex Award – Diploma of Merit in 1985 for Best Orquesta Típica Conductor. He continued to influence the tango scene until his death on August 14, 1993, leaving behind a legacy of music that resonates with tango enthusiasts worldwide.