Dyango

Dyango stands among Spain’s most enduring vocalists, having achieved multi-platinum status as a singer, songwriter, and producer while earning the fond nickname “The Voice of Love.” His catalog blends Spanish boleros, Argentinian tangos, Mexican rancheras, and numerous original and interpretive pieces shaped by a refined yet vibrant pop sensibility. The 1975 EMI release Alma, Corazón Y Vida turned him into a national figure. … Al Fin Solos! (1984) and La A Corazon Abierto (1986) both attained multi-platinum status. La Hora del Adios reached number five on the U.S. charts in 1987, and the sultry ballad set Suspiros (1989) signaled the onset of his more seasoned phase. During the 1990s he placed three further international successes—Alta Marea (1992), Morir De Amor (1993), and Rey de Corazones (1994). Quan L’Amor És Tan Gran (1997) reflected a deeper classical commitment, while Puñaladas en el Alma (2010), recorded with the Prague Symphony Orchestra, earned a Latin Grammy nomination. After completing a 2017 tour across Spain he stepped away from the stage, closing his recording career with the album Y Ahora Que.

Born José Gómez Romero in Barcelona, he chose the stage name Dyango in homage to his idol, Romani jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, once he committed to a professional singing path. Though never a jazz instrumentalist like Reinhardt, he is a conservatory-trained trumpeter and violinist. In the mid-1960s, still in his twenties, he pivoted fully to vocals, began performing live, and secured a contract with RCA. Between 1969 and 1971 he issued four modestly successful LPs—Dyango (1969), La Voz Del Amor (1970), El Mundo Es De Los Jovenes (1970), and another Dyango (1971). His trajectory shifted decisively after signing with EMI/Odeon in 1974; the label debut Alma, Corazón Y Vida charted in 1975. Tireless promotion followed: relentless touring, radio appearances, and a memorable television performance helped spread his reputation throughout Spain and other Latin markets. Contigo En La Distancia (1977) registered on charts in both Spain and Argentina, while La Radio (1980s) introduced a sleeker pop sound that broadened his European audience. In 1982 he released Dyango en Català, his first Catalan-language project.

Steady commercial growth accompanied a string of hit singles: “Corazon Magico,” “Esa Mujer,” “La Radio,” “Querer y Perder,” “Hay Algo en Ella,” and “Esta Noche Quiero Brandy.” Nothing, however, matched the impact of … Al Fin Solos! (1984), driven by the blockbuster “A Donde Vas Amor” and certified five-times platinum. A Corazon Abierto (1986) and its sequel each earned double-platinum status. Gold certifications followed for Tango (1988) and Suspiros (1989), the latter underscoring a move toward refined European pop. Alta Marea (1992), Morir De Amor (1993)—his Polydor debut featuring a duet with Nana Mouskouri on “Espérame en el cielo”—and Rey de Corazones (1994) all charted in the U.S. and received gold or platinum honors in Spain. Quan L’Amor És Tan Gran (1997) presented tangos sung in Catalan. Over the years Dyango has partnered on duets with Celia Cruz, Paco de Lucía, Rocío Dúrcal, Oscar D’León, Sheena Easton, Roberto Goyeneche, Juanjo Dominez, and Jaume Aragall.

Into the twenty-first century he sustained an active schedule and devoted following, scoring chart-toppers with “Momentos Inolvidables” (2003) and “Intimamente...” (2004). The 2005 re-recording of Alma, Corazón Y Vida remained on Spanish charts for twenty-nine weeks and achieved multi-platinum standing. Coplas (2008), made with the Bratislava Symphony Orchestra, went gold, while Puñaladas en el Alma (2010), tracked in Prague, New York City, and Barcelona with the Prague Symphony Orchestra under Carlos Franzetti’s arrangements and centered on tango repertoire, garnered a Latin Grammy nomination. Three years later he issued the autobiographical El Cantante. In 2015 he fulfilled a longstanding wish with Italianísimo (Cantado en Italiano). Health considerations prompted retirement from live performance after 2017 tours of Spain and the Americas; his final studio album, Y Ahora Que, appeared that July, bringing his career totals to fifty-five gold and forty platinum certifications. In 2018 the Grammy Foundation presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.