Carlos Gardel (born Charles Romuald Gardes; 11 December 1890 – 24 June 1935) was an Argentine tango singer, songwriter, composer and actor, and is perhaps the most prominent figure in the history of tango. Gardel died in an airplane crash at the height of his career, becoming an archetypal tragic hero mourned throughout Latin America. For many, Gardel embodies the soul of the tango style. He is commonly referred to as "Carlitos", "El Zorzal" (The Song Thrush)