Tovar, Rigo

▪ 2006

Rigoberto Tovar García  Mexican singer (b. March 29, 1946, Matamoros, Mex.—d. March 27, 2005, Mexico City, Mex.), rose from poverty to achieve stardom not only in Mexico but in Latin America and the U.S. during a career in which he sold more than 25 million albums. He formed his band Costa Azul in 1972 and played a central role in popularizing Colombian cumbia music in Mexico by introducing synthesizers, electric guitars, and elements of rock and roll. Tovar and his band produced numerous hits, including “La sirenita” and “Matamoros querido.” In later years he went solo, and in 1983 Tovar's free concert in Monterrey, Mex., attracted a record audience of more than 350,000 people. Tovar also starred in a handful of movies.

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