Nelly Omar Dies: Argentine Tango Singer Dead At 102

Renowned tango singer Nelly Omar has died at the age of 102. The Argentine singer began her career in 1924 and gave her final performance at the age of 100 in Buenos Aires. Omar’s death was announced by the Argentina Society of Authors and Composers who said she will be buried on Saturday. Born Elvira Vattuone Nilda the singer became famous for her tango music and songs like “Nobleza de Arrabal” Known as the voice of tango and folk songs in the 1940s and 50s Omar appeared in films building herself a fine acting career in addition to her music.

Recent health complications forced Omar to spend time in and out of hospitals. Through her career Omar became known as “Gardel with a Skirt” which is a reference to the famous singer Carlos Gardel who had an impressive voice as well. Nelly Omar was a part of Argentina’s golden age of music which also included artists such as Tita Merello, Azucena Maizani, Libertad Lamarque and Ada Falcon. Although her career began in the 1920’s Omar rose to fame in the 30’s and 40’s with popular hits such as “Callecita Mine,” “Just For You,” “Beat After Beat” and “Intrigue and Passion.”

The Liberation Revolution of 1955 in which the President of Argentina, Juan Domingo Peron was overthrown forced Omar to abandon her career. A decade later she was back on stage and would not leave again until her final performance, celebrating her 100^th birthday in 2011. Through her career Omar was given a number of awards including the “Clarin Award” in 2009 and the “Pablo Podesta Prize” in 2010. Omar was named the “Ambassador of Tango” in 2010. Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook are filled with comments from fans mourning Omar’s loss and praising her for her talent.