Los Chalchaleros
Los Chalchaleros were one of Argentina’s most iconic folk music groups, active from 1948 to 2003. Originating in the province of Salta, they became synonymous with the country’s zamba, chacarera, and cueca traditions. Their refined vocal harmonies, guitar work, and commitment to traditional repertoire helped popularize Argentine folklore across Latin America and Europe. The group’s lineup changed over the decades, but their style remained rooted in elegance, authenticity, and national identity.
Argentinian folk band founded in Salta in 1948, active until 2003. Their name comes from a bird's name typical from North Argentina: zorzal chalchalero (Turdus rufiventris). First line-up: Víctor José Zambrano (Cocho), Carlos Franco Sosa (Pelusa), Aldo Saravia (el Chivo) and his cousin, Juan Carlos Saravia (el Gordo). In 1949 Aldo Saravia was replaced by José Antonio Saravia Toledo, and in 1950 Ricardo Federico Dávalos (Dicky) replaced Carlos Sosa. In 1953 Ernesto Cabeza replaced Saravia Toledo, and they started their recordings. After more changes and some recordings they won first award on Festival de Cosquín in 1968 with the classical line-up: Juan Carlos Saravia, Ernesto Cabeza, Polo Román and Pancho Figueroa.
• Cocho Zambrano – founder, singer (1948–1956)
• Pancho Figueroa (1968–)
• Juan Carlos Saravia – founder (1948–)
• Polo Román (1966–)
• Saravia Toledo (1949–1953)
• Dicky Dávalos (1950–1968)
• Ernesto Cabeza – guitarist (1950–)
Recordings
No recordings found for this group.