Singer

Agustín Irusta

Agustín Irusta (Agustín Cipriano Irusta, c. 1902/1903–1987) was an Argentine tango singer, actor, composer and lyricist best known for his work with the Trío Argentino Irusta-Fugazot-Demare, which achieved major success in Spain and Europe in the late 1920s and 1930s. He also appeared in numerous films and composed or co-composed well-known tangos such as «Dandy» and «Mañanitas de Montmartre».

1927’301932

records madedanced on film, by the record’s year· our catalogue

Key facts

Born: 28 August 1902 or 1903, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina^[17]^[18]
Died: 24 or 25 April 1987, Caracas, Venezuela^[17]^[18]
Real name: Agustín Cipriano Irusta^[17]
Active: 1920s–1980s^[17]
Roles: Singer, actor, composer, lyricist^[17]

Timeline

1902/1903-08-28
Born in Rosario, Santa Fe (year disputed).^[17]^[18]
1926
Records for Victor in duo with Roberto Fugazot, Humberto Correa on guitar.^[17]
1927
Forms Trío Argentino with Fugazot and Lucio Demare; debuts in Madrid.^[17]^[20]
1933
Appears in Spanish film «Boliche».^[17]
1936
Returns to Buenos Aires; trio appears in Canaro revue «La patria del tango».^[17]
1937
Trio disbands after «Mal de amores» at Teatro Politeama.^[17]
1939
Acts in «El matrero» and «Puerta cerrada».^[17]
1948
Trio reunites for radio work in Cuba.^[17]
1987-04-24/25
Dies in Caracas (day disputed).^[17]^[18]

Disputed

Year of birth

28 August 1903^[17]^[19]
28 August 1902^[18]^[22]

Day of death

25 April 1987^[17]^[19]
24 April 1987^[18]^[22]

person

orchestra

Francisco Canaro

composition

Agustín Cipriano Irusta was born in Rosario, Santa Fe; sources disagree on the year, giving either 28 August 1902 or 28 August 1903. He began singing as an adolescent in Rosario and nearby cities. While performing military service in Santiago del Estero he met the folklorist Andrés Chazarreta, who gave him his first lessons in singing and guitar. After completing service he moved to Buenos Aires, where he formed a vocal duo with Roberto Fugazot accompanied by guitarist Humberto Correa (composer of «Mi vieja viola»); the duo recorded for Victor in 1926. He also worked with other partners (Luis Scalon, Francisco Graciadío) and appeared on Radio Cultura with violinist Lorenzo Olivari and pianist Carlos Di Sarli. He joined Enrique Muiño’s theatrical company and briefly formed the trio «Los tres gauchos» with Alfredo Eusebio Gobbi and Fugazot. ^[17]^[18]^[19]

Pianist Alberto Soifer introduced him to Francisco Canaro. With Canaro he sang the winning numbers of the Glucksmann contest, recorded refrains, and traveled to Paris. Canaro then proposed that Irusta, Fugazot and pianist Lucio Demare form a trio to try their fortune in Spain. The Trío Argentino debuted at the Teatro Maravillas in Madrid; an initial two-week engagement was extended to three months because of immediate public demand. For approximately nine years the trio enjoyed exceptional success in Spain; their songs were widely sung and broadcast. They appeared in the Spanish films «Boliche» (1933) and «Ave de paso» (also known as «Aves sin rumbo», 1935). Lucas Demare later joined them, expanding the group into an orquesta típica that toured Europe and the Americas. ^[17]^[20]^[21]

The approach of the Spanish Civil War brought the trio back to Buenos Aires in 1936. They appeared in Canaro’s revue «La patria del tango» at the Teatro Buenos Aires and in «Mal de amores» at the Teatro Politeama; the trio disbanded in 1937. Irusta continued as an actor, appearing in Argentine films that included «Ya tiene comisario el pueblo» (1936), «Cantando llegó el amor», «El matrero» and «Puerta cerrada» (with Libertad Lamarque). He also worked on radio with the guitars of Roberto Grela. Later tours took him through Latin America and back to Europe (France, Italy and a five-year stay in Spain), where he appeared in «La guitarra de Gardel». He spent four years in Mexico making recordings and public performances before settling permanently in Caracas, Venezuela, where he married again and lived until his death. Sources give the date of death as either 24 or 25 April 1987. ^[17]^[18]^[22]

In 1948, at the initiative of a Cuban impresario, the trio briefly reunited for radio work in Havana and produced more than forty non-commercial recordings. Irusta was also a prolific composer and lyricist. Among the best-known works associated with him are the tangos «Dandy», «Tenemos que abrirnos», «Dos vidas», «A cara o cruz», «Mi fortuna» and «Mañanitas de Montmartre», most written in collaboration with Fugazot and Demare. Earlier compositions include the tonadas «Chilecito» and «Qué importa». Carlos Gardel recorded several of his numbers, including the vals «El trovero». ^[17]^[19]^[23]

Irusta’s elegant tenor, stage presence and long residence abroad made him an important ambassador of Argentine tango in Europe and Latin America during the 1930s. His film career spanned more than four decades and multiple countries, while his compositions remain part of the standard repertoire. The date discrepancies concerning his birth year and death day have not been resolved by primary documents located in the course of this research. ^[18]^[24]

Early career and formation of the Trío Argentino

After rudimentary beginnings in Rosario and lessons with Andrés Chazarreta during military service, Irusta reached Buenos Aires and partnered with Roberto Fugazot. Their 1926 Victor recordings with Humberto Correa on guitar mark the start of a long collaboration. Engagement with Francisco Canaro led to the 1927 formation of the Trío Argentino with Lucio Demare. The Madrid debut at Teatro Maravillas launched nearly a decade of European success and two Spanish films. ^[17]^[20]

Return to Argentina, cinema and later travels

The trio returned to Buenos Aires in 1936, appeared in Canaro revues and disbanded in 1937. Irusta thereafter concentrated on acting, with credits in numerous Argentine, Spanish and Mexican films between 1936 and the early 1950s. Radio work, American tours and a four-year period in Mexico preceded his permanent residence in Caracas. A 1948 Cuban radio reunion of the trio produced additional recordings. ^[17]^[18]

Compositions and legacy

Irusta co-wrote or wrote a substantial catalog that includes «Dandy», «Mañanitas de Montmartre», «Tenemos que abrirnos» and «A cara o cruz». Several were recorded by Carlos Gardel. His combination of singing, acting and composition, together with the international reach of the Trío Argentino, established him as a significant figure in the export of tango during the inter-war years. ^[17]^[23]

References

How Tangopedia works

17.Biography of Agustín Irusta by Ricardo García Blaya, Néstor Pinsón · todotango.com“He had a very long career, but the crest of his popularity ... was when he assembled the Trío Argentino, with the singer Roberto Fugazot and the inspired pianist Lucio Demare.”
18.Agustín Irusta (artista) · es.wikipedia.org“Agustín Cipriano Irusta (Rosario, 28 de agosto de 1903 o 28 de agosto de 1902 – Caracas, Venezuela, 25 de abril de 1987 o 24 de abril de 1987)”
19.Biografía de Agustín Irusta por Orlando del Greco · todotango.com“Irusta nació en Rosario (provincia de Santa Fe) el 28 de agosto de 1903 y falleció en Caracas (Venezuela) el 25 de abril de 1987.”
20.El trío argentino Irusta, Fugazot, Demare · elquindiano.com“Hace su estreno en el teatro Maravillas de Madrid.”
21.Biography of Agustín Irusta by Ricardo García Blaya, Néstor Pinsón · todotango.com“They are casted in two Spanish movies, Boliche (1933) and Ave de paso (1935).”
22.Agustín Irusta · tango.info“Date of birth 1902-08-28 ... Date of death 1987-04-24”
23.Biography of Agustín Irusta by Ricardo García Blaya, Néstor Pinsón · todotango.com“Among his most famous tangos we can mention: “Dandy”, “Tenemos que abrirnos” ... almost all in collaboration with Roberto Fugazot and Lucio Demare.”
24.Agustín Irusta, cantante y actor · elpais.com“El cantante y actor argentino Agustín Irusta ... fallecido en Caracas a los 85 años de edad Nacido en ... Rosario en 1902”

Explore Agustin Irusta's recordings by year Compare with…Their orchestras, year by year Who played with Agustin Irusta, year by year

Data: recordings, facts and sources

Also: lyricist

As a composer

Soy muchacho de la guardia

With Francisco Canaro

64 recordings · 1927–1932 · source: TangoCloud catalogue

Notes14

Records for Victor in a duo with Roberto Fugazot, with Humberto Correa on guitar.1926

Supported · 2

Sings the Glucksmann contest winners with Francisco Canaro's orchestra.1926

Supported · 2

Forms the Trío Argentino with Fugazot and Lucio Demare, debuting in Paris.1927

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Films Boliche in Spain.1933

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Returns to Buenos Aires; the trio appears in Canaro's revue La patria del tango at the Teatro Buenos Aires.1936

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The trio plays Mal de amores at the Teatro Politeama and breaks up.1937

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Acts in El matrero and Puerta cerrada.1939

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The trio reunites for radio in Cuba.1948

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Dies in Caracas.1987

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Agustin Irusta — described as Agustin Irusta (Cantor, actor, compositor y letrista)

Supported · 2

Irusta's 1932 vocal sounds markedly better than his 1927 recordings because he had, by then, moved from the loud, megaphone-style projection needed before microphones to a more natural singing style suited to electrical recording.

Single source

Real name Agustín Cipriano Irusta

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Release “Sentir el tango: Remembranzas” (1999) on Altaya T.A. 0791999source

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Exquisite singer with tenor range and a sweet elegant timbre

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Sang with1

Sang with Francisco Canaro1925–1927

Supported · 2

Born3

Born on August 28, 1903

Sources disagree · 2

Born on August 28, 1902

Sources disagree

Agustin Irusta — born on Agustin Irusta (August 28, 1903)

Supported · 2

Premiered at1

Premiered at Una canciónApr 24, 1953

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Composer3

Soy muchacho de la guardia — composed by Agustin Irusta

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Dónde — composed by Agustin Irusta

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Acariciando recuerdos — composed by Agustin Irusta

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Lyricist7

Reproche — lyrics by Agustin Irusta

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Sorbos amargos — lyrics by Agustin Irusta

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Mañanitas de Montmartre — lyrics by Agustin Irusta

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Tenemos que abrirnos — lyrics by Agustin Irusta

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Dandy — lyrics by Agustin Irusta

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El trovero — lyrics by Agustin Irusta

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Lupe — lyrics by Agustin Irusta

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In other catalogues5

Agustin Irusta — external id Agustin Irusta (todotango:creador/162)

Supported · 2

tango.info · AgustIrust

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Wikidata · Q5660708source

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MusicBrainz · bad1cf6d-a937-4e34-b4a0-549a2eee574fsource

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Discogs · 392776

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Died2

Agustin Irusta — died on Agustin Irusta (April 25, 1987)

Supported · 2

Died on April 25, 1987

Single source

Birthplace1

Agustin Irusta — born in Agustin Irusta (Rosario (Santa Fe) Argentina)

Supported · 2

Singers56

Se acabaron los otarios · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Sierra chica · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Centinela alerta · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Meditación · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Muñeca de carne · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Tanita de la proa · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Gabino · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Que pare el baile · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Dónde estás que no te veo · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Jinetazo · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Así es el mundo · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Entrá nomás · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Micifuz · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Julián Navarro · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Purrete de mi amor · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Calle Corrientes · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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No salgas de tu barrio · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Cuándo volverás · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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La reja · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Volvé mi negra · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Amurado · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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El poncho del amor · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Viejo amor · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Los burros · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Copetín vos sos mi hermano · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Favorita · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Pebeta canyengue · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Cuando llora la milonga · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Noche de reyes · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta, Roberto Fugazot)

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Perfume de mujer · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Fiesta criolla · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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El mal que me hiciste · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Queja indiana · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta, Roberto Fugazot)

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Compadrón · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Luis Scalon)

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El cancionero · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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El mal que me hiciste · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta, Roberto Fugazot)

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La quema · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Abuelita · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Artículo de lujo · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Cumpleaños · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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El viejo tango · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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La señal maldita · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Moneda falsa · Francisco Canaro · 1927 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Cariño de madre · Francisco Canaro · 1932 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Mi provinciana · Francisco Canaro · 1932 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Silbando · Francisco Canaro · 1932 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Ventanita florida · Francisco Canaro · 1932 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Llorando mis penas · Francisco Canaro · 1932 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Esclavas blancas · Francisco Canaro · 1932 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Para ti madre · Francisco Canaro · 1932 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Corazón desierto · Francisco Canaro · 1932 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Cara sucia · Francisco Canaro · 1932 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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San Telmo · Francisco Canaro · 1932 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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Se acabaron los otarios · Francisco Canaro · 1932 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta)

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El jardín del amor · Francisco Canaro · 1932 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Agustín Irusta, Roberto Fugazot)

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Federación · Francisco Canaro · 1951 — sung by Agustin Irusta (the catalogue credits Alberto Arenas)

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Ask Tangopedia

Answers only from cited facts, each with its source.

Early career and formation of the Trío Argentino

Return to Argentina, cinema and later travels

Compositions and legacy

References

As a composer

With Francisco Canaro

Notes14

Sang with1

Born3

Premiered at1

Composer3

Lyricist7

In other catalogues5

Died2

Birthplace1

Singers56

Listen

Sources 60

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