Agustín Lara

Ángel Agustín María Carlos Fausto Mariano Alfonso del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Lara y Aguirre del Pino (Spanish pronunciation: [aɣusˈtin ˈlaɾa]; ['aŋxel aɣus'tin ma'ɾi.a 'kaɾlos 'fawsto ma'ɾjano al'fonso ð̞el sa'ɣɾað̞o koɾa'son de xe'sus 'laɾa i a'ɣire ð̞el 'pino]; October 30, 1897 – November 6, 1970), known as Agustín Lara, was a Mexican composer and performer of songs and boleros. He is recognized as one of the most popular songwriters of his era. His work was widely appreciated not only in Mexico but also in Central and South America, the Caribbean and Spain. After his death, he has also been recognized in the United States, Italy, and Japan. His 1958 bolero album Rosa has been rated as one of the top 25 albums in the history of Latin American music.

Notable performers of his work include Pedro Vargas who was a friend, Juan Arvizu, Nestor Mesta Chayres, Pedro Infante, Toña la Negra, Elvira Ríos, Javier Solís, Julio Iglesias, Vicente Fernández, Pérez Prado, Chavela Vargas, Manuel Mijares, Luis Miguel, and Natalia Lafourcade among others.

Outside the Spanish speaking world, his most famous songs are Granada, Solamente Una Vez (You Belong to My Heart) and Piensa en mí, which have both been recorded by numerous international singers, including Enrico Caruso, Mario Lanza, and José Carreras.