Buenos Aires, Argentina

August 14, 1914

Adolfo Abalos helped to introduce the piano to the folk music of Argentina. Accompanied by his brothers Machino, Robert, Vitillo, and Macacho, Abalos skillfully transformed charangas, zambas, and gatos into imaginative 88-key melodies during the 1930s and '40s. His legacy continues to be celebrated in his homeland. In 2000, he was named "illustrious citizen" by the city of Mar Del Plata. A native of Buenos Aires, Abalos was born on the same street as bandoneon player Anibel Troilo and jazz pianist Enrique Villegas. He moved, with his parents, to Santiago Del Estero before his second birthday. Although he studied pharmacology and biochemistry at the University of Tucumen, he turned his full attention to music. Abalos composed much of the music that he performed with los Hermanos Abalos. ~ Craig Harris