Charly García

Charly Garc%C3%ADa por Alejandro Kuropatwa

Charly García (born Carlos Alberto García Moreno on October 23, 1951) is an Argentine singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer, widely considered one of the most influential figures in Latin American rock. He is known for his work with the bands Sui Generis, Serú Girán, and La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros, as well as his successful solo career.

Early Life

Charly García was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He showed an early interest in music, beginning piano lessons at the age of four. By the time he was a teenager, García had already formed his first band, To Walk Spanish.

Career

Sui Generis

In 1969, García co-founded the folk-rock band Sui Generis with Nito Mestre. The band became one of the most popular in Argentina during the early 1970s, known for their melodic songs and socially conscious lyrics. Their albums, such as Vida and Confesiones de Invierno, are considered classics of Argentine rock.

La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros

After the breakup of Sui Generis in 1975, García formed the progressive rock band La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros. The band was known for its complex compositions and elaborate live performances. They released two albums, La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros and Películas, before disbanding in 1977.

Serú Girán

In 1978, García formed Serú Girán with David Lebón, Pedro Aznar, and Oscar Moro. Often referred to as the "Argentine Beatles," Serú Girán achieved massive success with albums like La Grasa de las Capitales and Bicicleta. The band combined rock with elements of jazz, classical music, and Argentine folk.

Solo Career

García launched his solo career in the early 1980s, releasing a series of critically acclaimed albums such as Clics Modernos, Piano Bar, and Parte de la Religión. His solo work continued to push the boundaries of rock music, incorporating electronic elements and experimental sounds.

Personal Life

Charly García has been known for his eccentric personality and controversial behavior, both on and off stage. He has struggled with substance abuse issues throughout his career but remains a beloved figure in Argentine culture.

Legacy

Charly García is considered a pioneer of rock en español and has influenced countless musicians in Latin America and beyond. His contributions to music have earned him numerous awards and accolades, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

Discography

With Sui Generis

• Vida (1972)
• Confesiones de Invierno (1973)
• Pequeñas Anécdotas sobre las Instituciones (1974)

With La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros

• La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros (1976)
• Películas (1977)

With Serú Girán

• Serú Girán (1978)
• La Grasa de las Capitales (1979)
• Bicicleta (1980)
• Peperina (1981)

Solo Albums

• Yendo de la Cama al Living (1982)
• Clics Modernos (1983)
• Piano Bar (1984)
• Parte de la Religión (1987)
• Cómo Conseguir Chicas (1989)
• Filosofía Barata y Zapatos de Goma (1990)

See Also

• Rock en español
• Argentine rock
• List of Argentine musicians