César Isella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
César Isella
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César Isella sings in the Salón Blanco of the Casa Rosada, 2008
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | César Isella |
| Born | 20 October 1938 |
| Origin | Salta, Argentina |
| Died | 28 January 2021 (aged 82) |
| Genres | Argentinian and Latin American folk music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, journalist |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1954–2021 |
César Isella (born October 20, 1938 – died January 28, 2021) was a famous Argentinian singer and songwriter. He was known for his folk music. César Isella was part of the popular group Los Fronterizos from 1956 to 1966. He also helped start the "Movement of the New Songbook." Later, in the 1990s, he discovered and supported the singer Soledad Pastorutti. He wrote the music for "Canción con todos" (Song with Everyone). This song is seen as an anthem for Latin America.
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César Isella's Life Story
César Isella was born in Salta, Argentina. When he was just 7 years old, he joined a show called Hollywood Park. He toured around Salta province for ten days. Two years later, he won a singing contest seven times in a row. His big prize was a football.
In 1954, when he was 17, Isella joined a group called Los Sin Nombre (The Nameless). Some members of this group later formed other famous folk groups. Los Sin Nombre even performed with the well-known musician Ariel Ramírez.
Joining Los Fronterizos
In 1956, César Isella joined the group Los Fronterizos (The Bordermen). He replaced another singer and used his full name, Julio César Isella. This group was founded in 1953 by Gerardo López. Isella's arrival was very important for the group's sound.
He helped make Los Fronterizos one of the best folk groups in Argentina. Isella and López sang the baritone parts. The other two members, Eduardo Madeo and Juan Carlos Moreno, sang high and low notes. This mix of voices made the group very popular.
Los Fronterizos recorded five songs written by Isella while he was with them. One of their most famous works was "Misa Criolla" by Ariel Ramírez. They recorded this important album in 1964. It is considered a masterpiece of Argentine music.
Starting a Solo Career
In 1966, César Isella decided to start singing on his own. This surprised many people. Los Fronterizos were very successful after "Misa Criolla." But Isella wanted to try something new.
He became a strong supporter of the "Movement of the New Songbook." This movement was started by artists like Tejada Gómez and Mercedes Sosa in 1963. It focused on songs with important messages. In 1968, Isella released his first solo album, Estoy de vuelta (I'm Back). It included songs like "Zamba para no morir" and the famous tango "Milonga triste."
In 1969, he wrote the music for "Canción con todos" (Song with Everyone). The poet Armando Tejada Gómez wrote the lyrics. This song became incredibly famous. UNESCO even named it the Anthem of Latin America. It has been translated into many languages.
During a difficult time in Argentina (1976–1983), many artists faced challenges. Isella's song "Canción con todos" was even restricted. He released an album called Juanito Laguna in 1976. It featured music and poems by famous artists like Ástor Piazzolla and Atahualpa Yupanqui. However, this album was also restricted.
César Isella returned to Argentina on October 29, 1983. This was when the country became a democracy again. He gave a big concert at the Estadio Obras Sanitarias. He also performed at other important events. These included the Cosquín Festival and concerts with singers like Silvio Rodríguez.
In 1984, he worked with Victor Heredia and Quartet Zupay. They created a show called "Song for Poetry." They put poems by Pablo Neruda and María Elena Walsh to music. This show was a huge success. They released an album that sold 300,000 copies. That same year, Isella asked young songwriters to send him their songs. He chose ten of them for his album Dawn Fragile.
In 1985, he presented a show called "Isella to All." Many famous artists joined him, including Armando Tejada Gómez and Teresa Parodi. That year, he also performed in Chile again after being unable to visit for thirteen years.
In 1987, he started a music radio program. In 1993, he made an album called Song to help UNESCO. Many famous singers like Joan Manuel Serrat and Silvio Rodríguez sang "Song with All" on this album. It won an ACE Award.
In 1995, Isella sang "Song with All" at a big meeting in Chile. He even got leaders from Latin American countries to sing along. These included Fidel Castro and King Juan Carlos I of Spain. He also took part in the All the Voices Festival in Quito.
From 1995 to 1997, Isella helped organize the "Official Peña" at the Cosquín Festival. He focused on helping young artists perform. Singers like Soledad Pastorutti and Luciano Pereyra got their start there.
In 1999, the United States bought the rights to "Song with All." They wanted to use it to teach high school students about Latin American music and culture.
In 2007, César Isella celebrated 50 years in music. He released an album called 50 Years of Simple Things and his own life story book.
He was also the Director General of the Teatro General San Martín. He was the vice president of the Sociedad Argentina de Autores y Compositores de Música (SADAIC). Isella wrote music for poems by Nicolás Guillén and Pablo Neruda. Besides "Song with All," he composed many other great songs. These include "Animaná Fire" and "Song of Tenderness."
César Isella passed away from a heart condition.
Awards and Achievements
- First Prize Fray Bentos, Uruguay, 1970
- Martín Fierro Award for best music radio program, 1974
- First Prize at the National Festival from Cosquín
- Golden Disk in 1962, 1964, 1974, 1982
- First Prize at the Festival de la Patagonia, Chile
- Prize at the World Song Festival Agustín Lara, Mexico
- ACE Award for the album Tribute to Poetry, 1993
See also
In Spanish: César Isella para niños
