Trio Los Panchos

• Genre: Latin
• Hometown: New York

About

A veritable musical institution, Los Panchos have served as Latin America's musical ambassadors since their formation in Mexico in 1944. Three men, three voices and three guitars sing romantic, sad songs in exquisite harmony that cuts straight to the sentimental G-spot. Although there were many different lead singers, the duo of Chucho Navarro and Alfredo Gil formed the backbone of the group for more than fifty years. They specialized in versions of the bolero, or Latin ballad, which was born in Cuba early in the twentietth century and spread to Mexico. Prolific recording artists and performers, they are immortalized in a number of Mexican black and white films which capture the irresistible charm of these Spanish-language serenaders.

- Robert Leaver