Jorge Ortiz

Juan Edelmiro Alessio (1912–1989), professionally known as Jorge Ortiz from 1939, was an Argentine tango vocalist who became one of the golden age’s most celebrated singers. Born in the San Cristóbal neighborhood of Buenos Aires on September 18, 1912, Alessio won a Radio Cultura singing competition in 1933, launching a professional career initially under his own name. After performing at Radio Belgrano with Gerónimo Sureda’s ensemble, he adopted the stage name Jorge Ortiz in 1939. Alessio achieved his greatest fame as principal vocalist with conductor Rodolfo Biagi’s orchestra from 1940 onwards, delivering acclaimed interpretations of “Magdala,” “Yuyo verde,” “Misa de once,” and “Soledad la de Barracas.” He also recorded with Miguel Caló’s orchestra during the 1940s. His extensive career included tours throughout Brazil, Venezuela, and Chile; he eventually settled in Rio de Janeiro where he remained popular until his death from heart attack on February 18, 1989.

Sources note: One source (some early references) lists his death date as February 18, 1988, while the majority of reliable sources including Wikipedia (ES), Todotango, and MusicBrainz confirm February 18, 1989. The 1989 date appears more frequently in primary sources.