Ángel Vargas
Real name José Ángel Lomio
Life 22 October 1904 – 7 July 1959
Pseudonyms
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• El ruiseñor de las calles porteñas
Occupation
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• singer
• lyricist
• composer
Instrument
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• voice
Place of birth Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Country of birth Argentina
Citizenship
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• Argentina
TodoTango: Link
Ángel Vargas is widely recognized as one of the most emblematic tango singers of the 1940s, often mentioned in the same breath as Francisco Fiorentino. His distinctive phrasing — both streetwise and elegant — made him the voice of the era. Though his voice was modest in volume, it had a warmth and expressiveness that resonated deeply with audiences. He brought charisma, sweetness, and an unmistakable porteño flavor to his performances.
He began his career in the early 1930s under the name Carlos Vargas with Víctor Braña and later with the orchestra of José Luis Padula, recording his first songs in 1935. In 1938–39, he made a few recordings with the Orquesta Típica Victor and two tracks with guitar accompaniment: La bruja and Milongón.
His major breakthrough came in 1940, when he joined the orchestra of Ángel D'Agostino (Orquesta Típica Ángel D'Agostino). The duo recorded 94 songs between 1940 and 1946, including classics like Muchacho, No aflojés, Tres esquinas, Ninguna, and the waltz Esquinas porteñas. They also appeared together in the film El cuarteador. This partnership remains one of the most celebrated in tango history.
In 1947, Vargas began his solo career with an orchestra led by Eduardo Del Piano. They recorded 20 songs until 1950, such as Milonga para Gardel, ¿Se lustra, señor?, and Ventanita de arrabal. From 1951 to 1954, Vargas collaborated with Armando Lacava, recording 40 titles including Naipe marcado, Duelo criollo, Corrientes y Esmeralda, El adiós, and others — more recordings than with any other director.
In 1954–55, Vargas explored a smaller format by recording with the trio of Alejandro Scarpino. He later worked with Edelmiro D'Amario (1955–57), recording 18 tracks such as Langosta, Cascabelito, and Cuartito azul. In 1958, he made two recordings with Daniel Lomuto’s orchestra and six more with Luis Stazo. His final recordings, La cieguita and La porteñita, were made in 1959 with José Libertella.
Ángel Vargas passed away on July 7, 1959, while still in top artistic form. His legacy remains strong, thanks to his unforgettable voice and deep impact on tango’s golden age.
Summary based on the articles Ángel Vargas on TodoTango and Ángel Vargas: 9 tangos imperdibles on Página/12.
Orchestras
- Orquesta Típica Ángel D’Agostino– singer (1940–1946)
Recordings
No recordings found.