Piero, the Argentine singer-songwriter behind “Mi Viejo”, dies at 81

Argentine singer-songwriter Piero, born Piero Antonio Franco De Benedictis, has died at the age of 81, his family announced in an emotional post on social media. His death marks the end of a career that made him a reference of popular song across Latin America. ([amp.dw.com](https://amp.dw.com/es/muere-el-cantautor-argentino-piero-recordado-por-mi-viejo/a-79586590?utm_source=openai))

From a tender tribute to a continental anthem

Piero rose to wide fame with the album and title track "Mi Viejo" ("My Old Man"), a moving tribute to his father that he recorded after teaming with writer José Tcherkaski; the song became, decade after decade, an unofficial hymn for fathers across Latin America. ([es.wikipedia.org](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mi_viejo?utm_source=openai))

“With deep sorrow we announce that our beloved Piero has died at the age of 81. His voice, his songs and his message of peace will remain with us forever. His light will continue to shine in every corner reached by his music,” the family wrote. ([amp.dw.com](https://amp.dw.com/es/muere-el-cantautor-argentino-piero-recordado-por-mi-viejo/a-79586590?utm_source=openai))

During the 1970s Piero's work took on a clearer political and social edge. Fearing for his safety during Argentina's military dictatorship, he lived in exile for a time in Spain and Colombia before returning to Argentina in 1981; political themes remained part of his repertoire for decades. ([amp.dw.com](https://amp.dw.com/es/muere-el-cantautor-argentino-piero-recordado-por-mi-viejo/a-79586590?utm_source=openai))

Recognition for his long career included a lifetime achievement honour from the Latin Recording Academy in 2016. In recent months his music also reached new audiences on high-profile stages: one of his Italian-language recordings was used to open a Saint Laurent fashion show in Paris. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_Annual_Latin_Grammy_Awards?utm_source=openai))

Piero continued to perform and publish music into his later years, keeping a presence on stage and in recordings that spanned intimate family songs and outspoken numbers of protest. He leaves a catalog of songs that have been sung and recorded by many generations. ([rockumweb.com](https://www.rockumweb.com/reportes/2564/piero-voice-behind-latin-american-classic-mi-viejo-dies-at-81?utm_source=openai))

Photo: press material from the event