Rubén Juárez

Rubén Juárez (Jorge Rubén Juárez; 1947–2010) was an Argentine bandoneonist, singer, and composer who became a landmark figure in late twentieth-century tango. Born November 5, 1947, in Ballesteros, Córdoba Province, Juárez first recorded June 2, 1969, for Odeón Records with immediate success. He performed with major orchestras including those of Aníbal Troilo, Raúl Garello, Leopoldo Federico, and Armando Pontier. Juárez achieved distinction as the only tango singer capable of simultaneously playing the bandoneón while singing—a unique accomplishment unmatched in tango history. Chosen as best tango performer in 1973 at age 26, he gained international recognition through extensive touring in Peru, Venezuela, the United States, Colombia, France, and Spain, and appeared in the 1989 film Tango Bar alongside Raúl Juliá. He received the Konex de Platino in 2005 for male tango singing. Juárez died May 31, 2010, in Buenos Aires from prostate cancer, leaving a legacy spanning four decades of compositions and recordings that bridged traditional tango with contemporary expression.

Sources note: Tango Bar film release date: Some sources cite 1987, others 1988 (Puerto Rico premiere), and 1989 (Argentina release; January 19, 1989). The most commonly cited date is 1989 for the theatrical release. “Mi bandoneón y yo” composition date unclear—recorded in 1969 but may have been composed earlier. Recording credits for many of Juárez’s tracks lack complete instrumental and arranger information in available sources.