Daniel Melingo, the Argentine musician who went from Buenos Aires’ vibrant pre-Democracy rock scene of the 1980s to becoming one of tango’s most original contemporary voices, died Tuesday at 68.

His career was defined by constant artistic transformation and international recognition, particularly in Europe, where his dark, theatrical approach to tango earned him a devoted following.

Melingo actually began playing in Brazil in the late Seventies. He dreamt of meeting Gilberto Gil and joining his band, but instead struck luck with another Brazilian icon: Milton Nascimento.

Back in Argentina, he met local rock legend Miguel Abuelo, who had escaped the military dictatorship and was back from his exile in Europe, and formed a musical and theatre company they christened Ring Club. Other members included Fabiana Cantilo, Horacio Fontova, Vivi Tellas and Miguel Zavaleta.

Dany Melingo was soon included in the new revamped version of seminal band Los Abuelos de la Nada, where he contributed the hit song Chalaman. Next step was recording with his own band Los Twist, along co-founder Pipo Cipolatti. Their debut album La dicha en movimiento was produced by García and was soon certified Gold and Platinum. García also invited him to join the tour of his landmark album Clics modernos in 1983-84.

A true multi-instrumentalist, Melingo mainly played saxophone and clarinet, but was also a guitarist and singer. Along with other musicians of his generation, he helped shape the sound that flourished with the return of democracy after years of military dictatorship.

In the mid-Eighties, however, Melingo’s career took an unexpected turn. He flew to Spain and soon played with popular band Los Toreros Muertos, while also creating a new group called Lions in Love, where he explored hip-hop and funk rhythms. Solo album H20 also showcased his eclectic musical tastes.

Time to tango

Back in Argentina, in 1997 he hosted a TV show about tango, Malayunta, and began composing tangos that blended the genre’s traditional roots with poetry, jazz, Brecht’s cabaret style and the gritty stories of Buenos Aires’ forgotten characters. His deep voice and dramatic stage presence became his trademark.

While his work earned critical acclaim in Argentina, it was Europe — particularly in France, Spain and Italy — where Melingo achieved widespread recognition. He became a regular performer at major festivals and concert halls, as audiences embraced his innovative reinterpretation of tango and his cinematic storytelling. Albums such as Tangos bajos, Maldito tango and Linyera established him as one of the leading figures of the genre’s revival.

His ambitious Opera Linyera was presented in 2022 at Teatro 25 de Mayo. He then began working on a film version that was still in progress. His most recent project was to revisit his 1998 album Tangos bajos, featuring special guests Fito Páez, Andrés Calamaro, Pity Alvarez, Julieta Laso, Maxi Prietto and Pablo Lascano. He released a few singles and announced a presentation scheduled for next September. 

Melingo suffered from pulmonary disease EPOC and was found dead in his home in Buenos Aires.