Carlos Gardel was born in Toulouse, France on December 11, 1890 and moved to Argentina at an early age. He initially lived in the Abasto neighborhood of Buenos Aires, where he was mentored by José Betinotti, who named him El Zorzal Criollo -  due to the sweetness of his voice. Gardel began singing and was soon performing in cafes, restaurants and other public venues.

The first of Carlos Gardel's songs to make him famous was ''Mi Noche Triste,'' or ''My Sad Night,'' which he wrote in 1917. The song was nostalgic and sentimental, and was a huge success. Throughout the 1920s, he continued to write and perform songs, as well as act in silent films.

In 1935, while promoting their latest film, 'El Día Que Me Quieras,' Gardel's career and life met a tragic end. On June 24, he, lyricist Alfredo LePera, and the rest of their crew were aboard a plane that crashed in Medellín, Colombia, killing all aboard.

Gardel was mourned throughout Argentina and Uruguay and his music continued to be popular for decades. He is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of tango and Latin American music.