Gildardo Montoya Ortiz, born on February 1, 1939, in Támesis, Colombia, is celebrated as a pioneer of música parrandera, a lively genre marked by humor and social satire. Gildardo Montoya’s journey began humbly as a coffee picker and market vendor in Medellín, where he became captivated by music and composed songs inspired by ranchera and bolero legends like José Alfredo Jiménez and Julio Jaramillo. Starting with local radio competitions, he soon recorded his first cumbias with labels like RCU, Ondina, and Clarín. His musical style evolved as he embraced parranda paisa, becoming known for comedic hits such as "El gitano groserón," "El arruinao," and "Como yo soy tan raro." Though he attributed many songs to others, he felt his true legacy lay in works composed for major tropical orchestras in Antioquia, such as "La pelea del siglo," "El aguardientoski," and "Plegaria Vallenata," the latter performed by Alejo Durán and recognized among vallenato classics. Gildardo Montoya also sang with Grupo Venezuela, creating a cumbia rendition of "La chica de la boutique." His life was tragically cut short on November 25, 1976, in a motorcycle accident in Medellín, but his influence endured in Colombian music.
