Pugliese, the tango legend that became Argentine musicians’ good luck charm |
Behind the scenes, out of the public eye, Argentine musicians share a ritual that transcends genres: using images of tango legend Osvaldo Pugliese to bring good luck and ward off bad mojo. It’s a myth that floats through popular culture, though no one remembers exactly where it began.
Even if we don’t see it, it’s everywhere: inside instrument cases, tucked into a wallet, or taped to the wall of a rehearsal room, production office, recording studio, or the sound console of a live show. Known as San Pugliese (Saint Pugliese), the holy card image has long been an essential ally of Argentine musicians because of its unique power to bring good luck —or, even more prized, to drive away bad luck.
Before starting a concert, making an album, or simply beginning the day, musicians invoke their pagan patron saint with three resounding “Pugliese, Pugliese, Pugliese” —as if by invoking his name they manage to receive a kind of protection or anti-jinx shield.
As León Gieco sang in his 1992 song “Los Salieris de Charly”: “We always mention Pugliese!”
And so Osvaldo, one of the greatest artists in Argentine popular music, has always been there for several generations and devotees of all musical styles, beyond his vast body of work and the recordings of his legendary orchestra.
Years ago, at the Argentine Society of Authors and Composers of Music, San Pugliese cards used to be distributed freely among musicians, who gave them to fellow band players and techs.
Advertising was not immune to the myth either. Decades ago, beer company Quilmes ran a commercial proposing the addition of an eighth day to the week, to be named “Osvaldo Day.” The choice of name was far........