When did Leo Dan release his first song? Music career explored as Argentine singer passes away

On January 1, news of Argentine singer, composer, and novelist Leo Dan's passing was shared on social media. Known for his legacy of over 70 albums, the announcement was made through his official account, @leodanoficial.

"This morning our beloved Leo Dan left his body in peace and with the love of his family. Thus, he returned to the pure light of his Heavenly Father, to guide and care for us from infinity... With much peace in our hearts, we remember and feel his deep love.. forever."

Leo Dan was born on March 22, 1942, and began his music career at the age of 20, in 1962. His first single, Celia, was released in the same year, topping the chart a week after its issue.

The Instagram post in which Dan's death was revealed concluded with a biblical verse John 11:25: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’”

---

Leo Dan was considered one of the principal Argentine singers of the New Wave Music

Leo Dan is considered one of the principal singers of the Nueva Ola (New Wave) music, alongside Palito Ortega and Leonardo Favio. Nueva Ola conquered Latin American radio, records, and discotheque dance floors during the 1960s and '70s.

Per AllMusic, Leo Dan was born in Atamisqui - a town in Santiago de Estero - into a wealthy family, with his inclination towards music visible from a young age. Dan began to teach himself how to play flute and harmonica at the age of five. When he was 16, Dan learned to play guitar and piano and began to compose songs.

Leo Dan has decided that he would pursue a career in music as a teenager, refusing to consider any other career path, per AllMusic. At 20, Dan moved away from home and to Buenos Aires in pursuit of music. Leo auditioned for CBS and signed a deal soon after, releasing Celia thereafter.

In 1962, Leo Dan also released a self-titled debut album which became a massive success. Other hit singles produced by the singer in the early days of his career include Fanny, Cómo Te Extraño Mi Amor, Estelita, Libre Solterito y Sin Nadie, and Santiago Querido.

Four years later, Dan started hosting his own show titled Bajo el Signo de Leo (Under the Sign of Leo). Leo got married the same year and emigrated from Argentina to Spain soon afterward.

In 1986, Dan released his chart-topping album, Quiero Que Me Beses Amor Mío. Leo also dabbled in acting as he starred in an award-winning musical drama, La Novela de un Joven Pobre (Story of a Poor Young Man). Dan's performance in the drama established him as a prominent figure in Spain's entertainment scene.

Two years later, Leo Dan emigrated to Mexico, where he released two albums back-to-back. His biggest hit albums included 1971's Como Poder Saber Si Te Amo, 1973's Siempre Estoy Pensando en Ella, 1974's El Amor y la Felicidad, and 1979's compilation Lo Mejor de Leo Dan Ahora con Mariachi. Each reached the upper rungs of the charts as Dan's concert tours sold out across the globe.

In 1990, Leo emigrated once again - this time to the US, where he settled down in Miami, Florida. The same year, Dan dropped another album to commemorate the change, naming it Soy de Cualquier Lugar (I'm from Anywhere).

---

In 1980, Leo Dan took a five-year sabbatical from music to work on a book, get involved in politics, and produce four self-financed films. Dan was 82 at the time of his death.