Famous Uruguayan Musicians

Jorge Drexler is a multi-talented Uruguayan musician, actor, and doctor specializing in otolaryngology. He gained international recognition in 2004 by becoming the first Uruguayan to win an Academy Award for composing the song "Al Otro Lado del Río" from The Motorcycle Diaries. Drexler's music career is marked by his unique fusion of various genres and his poetic lyrics. Alongside his successful music career, he continues to practice medicine in his specialized field, showcasing his dedication to both art and science.

Carlos Páez Vilaró was a versatile Uruguayan artist known for his work in abstract art, painting, pottery, sculpture, murals, writing, composing, and construction. He was a prominent figure in the art world, creating a diverse body of work that showcased his creativity and talent across various mediums. Páez Vilaró's artistic contributions ranged from visually striking paintings to innovative sculptures and impactful murals. He left a lasting legacy through his artistic endeavors and his active involvement in humanitarian efforts.

Martín Méndez is a highly skilled bassist known for his work with progressive metal band Opeth. He is the second longest serving member of the band, having joined right before the recording of their third album. Despite not playing on that album, he quickly learned the bass parts and has been an integral part of Opeth ever since. Méndez has also been involved with other bands and utilizes a variety of bass guitars for both live performances and studio recordings.

Ruben Rada Silva is a well-known Uruguayan percussionist, composer, singer, and television personality. He is closely associated with candombe music, known for its chorus of tamboriles, Uruguayan barrel drums. Rada has an extensive discography of over thirty albums, showcasing his unique blend of candombe beat with genres like pop and rock. His music is characterized by a fusion of diverse styles with traditional Uruguayan elements such as candombe drums and murga choruses, making him a prominent figure in the music industry.

Pablo Sciuto is a versatile Uruguayan musician, composer, poet, and record producer with a significant presence in the music industry. With twelve albums to his name, he skillfully blends various rhythms such as "Indie Pop," Jazz, Bossa Nova, and Candombe with electronic elements, establishing a unique and distinctive musical style. His work has gained recognition, placing him among the emerging talents of the Rio de La Plata region. Currently based in Madrid, Spain since 2000, Pablo continues to captivate audiences with his innovative and eclectic musical creations.

Hugo Fattoruso is a versatile Uruguayan composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist with a rich professional career. He has excelled both as a soloist and as a member of various musical groups such as Trío Fattoruso, Hot Blowers, Los Shakers, and Opa. Fattoruso has collaborated with a diverse range of acclaimed artists including Airto Moreira, Abraham Laboriel, Manolo Badrena, Chico Buarque, Milton Nascimento, Ruben Rada, and Djavan. His work spans across multiple genres, showcasing his talent and adaptability in the music industry.

José Carbajal, known as El Sabalero, was a prominent Uruguayan singer, composer, and guitarist. Throughout his career, he became known for his unique blend of traditional Uruguayan folklore music with elements of contemporary styles. Carbajal's music resonated with audiences for its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, earning him a reputation as a revered figure in the Uruguayan music scene. He released numerous albums, performed at prestigious venues, and collaborated with other renowned artists, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of Latin American music.

Daniel Alberto Viglietti Indart was a prominent Uruguayan folk singer, guitarist, composer, and political activist. He played a significant role in shaping Uruguayan popular music and was a key figure in the Nueva Canción movement during the 1960s and early 1970s. Viglietti's music often carried socially conscious messages, advocating for social change and political activism. Through his music, he became a symbol of resistance and a voice for the people, leaving a lasting impact on the Uruguayan music scene and beyond.

Alvaro Pierri, a renowned Uruguayan classical guitarist, is not only a distinguished performer but also a respected professor at The University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. His international acclaim stems from a successful debut in the USA, leading to frequent appearances at prestigious concert venues worldwide. Pierri's expertise extends across Europe, Asia, North and South America, where his captivating performances have captivated audiences. In addition to his stellar career as a performer, Pierri is highly regarded for his exceptional skills as a teacher.

Osvaldo Fattoruso was a pioneering Uruguayan musician who made significant contributions to the Latin American music scene. As a member of Los Shakers, he played a key role in introducing rock music to the region and was known for his innovative fusion of jazz, rock, and African rhythms. Throughout his career, Fattoruso showcased his talents as a musician and composer, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. His work continues to inspire and influence artists around the world.

Julio Sosa, known as El Varón del Tango, was a renowned Uruguayan tango singer who achieved fame in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He gained recognition for his collaboration with the Orquesta Francini-Pontier and later with the Pontier orchestra, producing best-selling albums on RCA Victor and Columbia labels. Sosa's powerful voice and charismatic stage presence solidified his status as one of the most significant tango singers in history. His association with Columbia Records and incorporation of new bandoneonist Leopoldo Federico further cemented his success in the genre.

Jaime Roos is a renowned Uruguayan singer, composer, and record producer known for his unique blend of rock, candombe, milonga, tango, and murga music styles. With influences ranging from traditional Uruguayan sounds to the Beatles and rock music, Roos has developed a distinct musical signature that has garnered him widespread popularity both in Uruguay and internationally. He has achieved success through his innovative approach to music, with hit songs like "Brindis por Pierrot" and "Amándote," and notable contributions to the Uruguayan music scene.

Alfredo Zitarrosa was a prominent Uruguayan singer-songwriter, poet, and journalist known for his specialization in Uruguayan and Argentinean folk genres like zamba and milonga. He played a significant role in the nueva canción movement in Uruguay and was a key figure in promoting Communist ideals. Forced into exile between 1976 and 1984, Zitarrosa continued to express his political beliefs through his music. Widely recognized as one of the most influential singer-songwriters in Latin America, his work left a lasting impact on the region's music scene.

Eduardo Franco was a renowned Uruguayan singer and composer known for his role as the lead vocalist in the internationally acclaimed musical group, Los Iracundos. He gained global recognition during the mid-1960s for his contributions to the group's success. Los Iracundos achieved widespread popularity with hit songs like "Stop" and "Primeros en América." Eduardo Franco's professional life was characterized by his exceptional talent, captivating performances, and significant influence on the music industry, making him a prominent figure in Latin American music history.

Horacio Ferrer was a distinguished Uruguayan-Argentine poet, broadcaster, reciter, and tango lyricist. He gained widespread recognition for his exceptional talent in composing lyrics for renowned tangos by Astor Piazzolla, including Balada para un loco and Chiquilín de Bachín. Ferrer's professional life was marked by his significant contributions to the world of tango music, showcasing his poetic prowess and deep understanding of the genre. His collaborations with Piazzolla solidified his legacy as a key figure in the evolution of tango music and lyrics.

Malena Muyala is a renowned Uruguayan singer-songwriter known for her expertise in tango and milonga music. With numerous certified gold and platinum albums to her name, she has solidified her position as a prominent figure in the music industry. Muyala's captivating performances have garnered her a loyal following, both in her home country and internationally. Through successful tours, she has showcased her talent to audiences around the world, earning acclaim for her unique style and powerful vocals.

Sergio Fachelli is a Uruguayan singer and songwriter known for his popularity in the mid-1980s. He enjoyed a successful career during this period but paused recording in the early 2000s. However, Fachelli made a comeback in 2018, much to the joy of his fans. His music resonated with audiences, showcasing his talent and passion for the craft. Fachelli's return to the music scene marked a significant moment in his professional life, reigniting interest and appreciation for his work.

Roberto Perera is an Uruguayan jazz harpist known for his smooth jazz and fusion styles. With a career spanning several decades, Perera has distinguished himself through his innovative and complex harp technique, blending influences from various musical genres such as Brazilian, folk, tango, and pop music. He has released multiple albums and collaborated with renowned musicians, earning accolades such as the Billboard Contemporary Latin Jazz Album of the Year award. Perera's unique approach to harp performance has solidified his reputation as a pioneer in electro-acoustic harp music, captivating audiences worldwide.

Abel Carlevaro was a renowned classical guitar composer and teacher from Uruguay. He revolutionized instrumental technique by introducing a new approach to guitar seating and playing rooted in anatomical principles. As a concert artist, he garnered widespread admiration from notable musicians like Heitor Villa-Lobos and Andrés Segovia. His performances in major music hubs across Europe, Latin America, and the United States received critical acclaim and resonated strongly with audiences. Carlevaro's innovative methods and exceptional artistry left a lasting impact on the world of classical guitar.