Sandro de América

Who was Sandro de América?

Roberto Sánchez-Ocampo, better known by his artist names Sandro/Sandro de América, Gitano, and the Argentine Elvis, was a notable Argentine singer and actor. He is considered one of the first rock artists to sing in Spanish in Latin America. He edited 52 official records and sold 8 million copies although other sources state that he sold over 22 million. Some of his most successful songs are Dame fuego, Rosa, Rosa, Quiero llenarme de ti, Penumbras, Porque yo te amo, Así, Mi amigo el Puma, Tengo, Trigal, Una muchacha y una guitarra. Only the single Rosa, Rosa sold 2 million copies, being also his most recognizable and famous song. Other of his hits, "Tengo", was placed 15th amongst the 100 best Argentine rock songs by both MTV channel and Rolling Stone magazine.

Sandro was also the first Latin American artist to sing at Madison Square Garden, in 1970; this being the first time in broadcasting history that a concert was transmitted live. In 2005 Sandro was awarded with a Latin Grammy honoring his career.