In memory of Armando Manzanero

The IPTango team mourns the passing of Armando Manzanero, Mexican songwriter, pianist, singer, producer, and arranger. 

Worldwide famous by his romantic songs, Armando Manzanero, passed away on 28 December 2020. 

Armando Manzanero Canché born on 7 December 1935 in the city of Mérida, Yucatán. 

Considered one of the most renowned composers worldwide, he wrote over 600 songs. Out of these, more than 50 enjoyed global recognition and were performed in more than 30 languages. 

“Contigo Aprendí”, “No Sé Tú”, “Esta Tarde Vi Llover”, “Somos novios”, “Te extraño”, “Adoro”, “Voy a apagar la luz”, “Como yo te amé”, “Por debajo de la mesa”, “Nos hizo falta tiempo”, and “Mía” are some of his most famous songs. 

Among others, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Luis Miguel, Juan Gabriel, Elis Regina, Andrea Bocelli, Eugenia León, Tania Libertad, Tony Bennett and Alejandro Sanz performed his songs. 

Armando Manzanero was a strong advocate of copyright enforcement. Since 2011, he was the president of the collective management society SACM (Society of Authors and Composers of Mexico). 

Proud of his roots, he sang in Maya during a concert held in Chichen-Itzá to celebrate his 83-year career.

Armando Manzanero received several awards, including the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2010), the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2014), and the Cultural Heritage of the Americas Award granted by the Organization of American States (2014). 

In October 2020, Armando Manzanero received the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award “for his exceptional career that spans over six decades and which has taken Latin music to the next level internationally”. 

The Secretariat of Culture of Mexico will pay tribute to Armando Manzanero through Canal 22, Radio Educación, and the online platform “Contigo en la Distancia”. 

As stated on the SACM website: “His legacy is recorded in the history of music for Mexico’s glory in the world”. 

Listen to Armando Manzanero here and here. 

Sources: 

· Biography of Armando Manzanero published on the SACM website. 

· The press release published by the Secretariat of Culture of Mexico. 

· The review published on the website Celebrando Armando Manzanero. 

· The article “Armando Manzanero to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2020 Billboard Latin Music Awards” published on the Billboard website. 

Credit: Image available on the website of the Secretariat of Culture of Mexico, accessed on 28 December 2020.