José García

José García y sus Zorros Grises was a prominent Argentine tango orchestra active from 1930 to 1950. The ensemble was led by violinist-conductor José Francisco García (1908–2000, though some sources cite 1910), who assembled a 15-musician typical tango group from students at his music conservatory in Lanús. The orchestra earned its distinctive name from the grey flannel suits members wore during their 1930 debut at the Teatro San Martín in Buenos Aires. Between January 1942 and April 1945, the orchestra recorded approximately 40 pieces for the Odeón label, establishing themselves as formidable competitors to larger ensembles of the era. The group’s balanced, rhythmically disciplined sound bridged the approaches of D’Arienzo and Di Sarli, featuring celebrated vocalist Alfredo Rojas on 35 recordings. Notable compositions included tangos like “Esta noche de luna” and “Nocturno de tango,” plus the commercially successful corrido “El Mentiroso.” García disbanded the orchestra in 1950 and relocated to Córdoba, where he pursued painting. Though largely forgotten in Argentina, the ensemble maintained popularity in Colombia and Chile, experiencing renewed appreciation among contemporary tango aficionados.

Sources note: Birth year discrepancy: Wikidata, Wikipedia ES, and todotango.com all cite July 22, 1908 as José García’s birth date, while tango.info lists July 22, 1910. All sources consistently confirm death date as April 5, 2000.