Some call him ‘the Bob Dylan of Latin America’. Indeed, León Gieco, earned his reputation in the 70s as an outspoken social protester who used his folk-rock music as a voice for young people. His brusque voice, poetic lyrics and strong convictions eventually turned him into a legend in Argentina as well as a national hero for those who shared his beliefs.
Celebrating his 60th birthday this Sunday, Gieco was born in a small town in the province of Santa Fe, on 20th November 1951. His love for music developed at an early age. When he was eight years old he used all his savings to buy a guitar and learned to play live by performing in school shows, influenced by bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
At 18, he left home and moved to Buenos Aires to try to tap in to the burgeoning rock scene of the 60s. With little money and never having seen a big city, he got lucky and met Gustavo Santaolalla, another aspiring artist who had achieved some success with his band Arco Iris. Together they produced Gieco’s first album in 1973, under the rock label Music Hall.
The 70s were difficult years in Argentina. As Gieco felt increasing pressure from a government that wanted to censor his work, he decided to leave and try his luck in the United States. In Los Angeles he reconnected with Santaolalla, and spent the next year defining a unique style of folk-rock and pop-blues that appealed to counterculture.
In the early 80s he returned to Argentina and embarked on a three-year tour, travelling the country from one end to another. The result of this journey was documented in his well known album ‘De Ushuaia a La Quiaca’, which featured an assortment of recordings by folk musicians, each performing in their own small corner of Argentina. The success of this project led to another international foray, this time to Moscow and then on to Germany.
One of his most interesting songs, ‘Ojo con los Orozco’, was skillfully written so that the only vowel to feature in the lyrics is the letter ‘O’. Almost rap-like in its rhythm, the song is a kind of reverse tongue twister with a catchy beat.
Today he continues to play and perform, giving pleasure to fans of years past and also inspiring the younger generation. His latest album, ‘El Desembarco’ is released this month.
Genre: Folk-rock
Dates Active: 1973-present
In his own words: “It is in my spirit to reach high, continue fighting”.
Most Famous Song: “Sólo le pido a Dios”
Best lyrics: “I’ll cover your struggles with more than flowers; I’ll take care of your kindness with more than prayers. Put down the weapons because here there are only children.”
Famous for: Translating his prevailing and enduring social consciousness in to more than 40 years of songwriting
Best to listen to: In a crowd of free-thinking youths.
