By
the end of the 70s, a businessman from La Plata wanted his idol Carlos
Dante, to perform at his tango place, and asked me if I could get in touch
with the singer. Dante was not performing anymore; however, we had a
close friend in common, so we visited him in his house, in Mataderos. I
remember he treated us very kindly, and when I told him what the reason of
my visit was, he said to me: “Look, kid, they could pick me up in a golden
chariot and pay me an extraordinary amount of money, but I still wouldn’t
do it. I know what limitations come with age, and I prefer to be remembered
as a good singer”.
I need to make clear that the person who was in front of me was not old, but
a jovial and full-of-life one. In my opinion, he still had a long way to go,
but it was his decision, and it had to be respected.
He told me that he had retired from his job and that
he didn’t have economic problems. He also said that he was very happy at
home.
Many years passed, and some days ago I got in touch
with Luis Testori, Dante’s son, who was kind enough as to invite us to his
house in Parque Chacabuco. I went with my friend, Carlos Marello, to hear
stories about his dear father.
We talked for over two hours, and he confirmed all the things we already
knew about Carlos Dante: that he was an exemplary father and a responsible
professional, who used to vocalize every day for two hours. Luis also showed
us a glass showcase full of memories of his father: watches, medals,
trophies, the pen he used for signing autographs, and all of his recordings.
When we left, we thanked Luis and I shared with him my personal opinion
about his father: “Carlos Gardel is the greatest tango singer,” I said,
“but Carlos Dante follows him very closely”.
