Roberto Grela, born June 28, 1913, in Buenos Aires, was an Argentine tango guitarist and composer. As a child he learned to play the mandolin, but at about age seven he was encouraged by guitarist Manuel Parada to take up the guitar. He began performing professionally in 1930, accompanying singer Roberto Maida on radio. Over the course of his career he worked with numerous tango vocalists, including Jorge Casal and Alberto Podestá. In the early 1950s he briefly explored Argentine folk music and jazz before returning to tango in 1953, when bandoneonist Aníbal Troilo invited him to accompany him for the stage work El patio de la Morocha by Cátulo Castillo. Grela later formed the San Telmo Quartet with bandoneonist Leopoldo Federico. His compositions include “Viejo baldío” and “A San Telmo,” and his recordings with Troilo include “Nunca tuvo novio” and “Mi refugio.” Grela passed away in Buenos Aires on September 6, 1992.
