Roberto Cantoral has passed away on August seven at his residence “Toluca de Lerdo” , in Mexico. This way, his musical work, which could have been described as the most romantic over the century 20, ended. The news was spread the same day he died, being 75 years old, as his heart stopped. Mexico, Latin America and the whole world say good bye to one of the most prolific composers, who has provided such a musical legacy that any romantic singer, just a few of them left,  would have included on his repertoire.

In 1956, Roberto Cantoral composed outstanding boleros such us: “La barca” (The rowboat) and “El reloj” (The watch. They became popular a year later by the Chilean singer Lucho Gatica. Others of his songs included: “Te perdono” (I forgive you), “Demasiado tarde” (It is too late), “Noche no te vayas” (Night, you do not disappear), “Yo lo comprendo” (I understand), and “Soy lo prohibido” (The unacceptable man) The Mexican singer Jose Jose made his successful debut at the Second International of the Latin song, in 1970 with Cantoral’s song: “El triste”, (The sad man) that was also awarded at Orfeo Negro Festival in Bulgaria. His songs Yo no voy a la Guerra” (I do not go to the war) and “Quijote” have gained Awards at OTI Festival in 1079 and 2973, respectively.

Solas was born in Mexico, in the state of Tamaulipas, near the Gulf of Mexico. Before making incursions Bolero, he had founded the group “Los Cuatreros”, along with his brither Antonio, to sing Mexican Folk Song. Some of the songs of this group were “El crucifijo de piedra” (The crucifix of stone), “El preso numero nueve” (The prisoner number nine), which had been composed in 1955 and included on several repertoires. The musician also was member of the trio “Los tres caballeros” (The three gentlemen), accompanied by the two members Chamín Corre and Leonel Galvez, until he chose his professional carrier as a soloist, because he had developed his skills as a singer, not so much recognized.

The Mexican Cantoral was linked to Cuba for many reasons. Some of them include: successful of his music, many friends who had shared with him in many ocassions, some idyllic affairs became later in friendship. The Mexican singer worked hard in favor of rights for intellectual property and directed the Direction Council of Songwriters and Composers Organization of Mexico over more that a century and a half until the day of his death. He was also President of Iberian American Committee of International Confederation of Authors and Songwriters Association (CISAC).

Cantoral has received several national and international prizes and recognitions for doing a good job, his professional dedication.

From the professional point of view, this Mexican personality contributed a lot to drama section at Radio and Television. Cantoral made music for several famous soap operas such us: “El derecho de nacer”, “Pacto de amor”, among others. On October, 2008 he awarded the Prize “Antena” by Radio and Television Camera of Mexico, on the occasion of its 50 Anniversary. President of Mexico Felipe Calderon gave him the prize.

He went away forever, like the lyrics of his most popular song “El reloj” (The watch) read, and with him, the physical presence of a romantic, bohemian, sentimental artist, but his spiritual and musical presence will ever last, although there are still many daybreaks for coming.