José María Aguilar

José María Aguilar was born in 1891, according to a single source ^[3]. His recorded activity is documented from 1922, when he recorded in a duo with Mario Pardo; the pair had debuted at the Teatro Empire ^[1].

In 1923 he signed with Victor as soloist and lead accompanist ^[1]. In March 1924 he performed in Montevideo with the group Los Incógnitos ^[1]. In 1928 he joined Carlos Gardel's guitarists, and that year his own orchestra also recorded the cueca La dieta for Odeon ^[1][2].

Aguilar left Gardel in 1931 after a disagreement and worked with other singers until 1934, when Gardel recalled him to New York late in the year ^[1]. On 24 June 1935 he survived the Medellín air crash but was badly burned, and his playing career ended ^[1]. He died at Hospital Álvarez on 21 December 1951 after being hit by a car ^[1]. He is credited as composer of Al mundo le falta un tornillo .

Early career

In 1922 Aguilar recorded in a duo with Mario Pardo; the two had made their debut at the Teatro Empire ^[1]. The following year, 1923, he signed with Victor, engaged as both soloist and lead accompanist ^[1].

In March 1924 he performed in Montevideo with the group Los Incógnitos ^[1].

With Carlos Gardel

In 1928 Aguilar joined Carlos Gardel's guitarists ^[1]. His first session in this role included Chorra and Manos brujas ^[1].

In 1931 he left Gardel after a disagreement and went on to work with other singers until 1934 ^[1]. Late in 1934 Gardel recalled him to New York ^[1].

Medellín crash and later life

On 24 June 1935 Aguilar survived the Medellín air crash ^[1]. He was badly burned, and the injuries ended his playing career ^[1].

In January 1936 his wife brought him back to Buenos Aires ^[1]. He died on 21 December 1951 at Hospital Álvarez after being hit by a car ^[1].

Recordings

Compositions

Aguilar is credited as the composer of Al mundo le falta un tornillo .