In 1950, Cantoral formed the Hermanos Cantoral (English: Cantoral Brothers) with Antonio Cantoral.[8][10][13] The duo recorded "El preso número 9" (English: Prisoner Number 9) and "El crucifijo de piedra" (English: The Crucifix of Stone).[8][10] The duo ended in 1954 with Antonio's death and Roberto formed Los Tres Caballeros (English: The Three Gentlemen) with Chamin Correa and Leonel Gálvez who performed during Mexico's era of romantic music[15] and traveled to Japan, Argentina and the United States.[10][12][16][17]
1960–1980
In 1960, Cantoral went solo and achieved international fame for "Al final", "Noche no te vayas", "Regálame esta noche" and "Yo lo comprendo" (English: In the End, Night, Don't Leave, Give Me This Night and, I Understand).[12][16] In 1970, he wrote the ballad "El Triste" (English: The Sad One) for José José. In 1971, he won the OTI Festival with "Yo no voy a la guerra" (English: I'm not going to the War) and in 1973 for "Quijote".[8][10][12][16] Cantoral donated the proceeds from "Pobre navidad" (English: Poor Christmas) to worldwide children institutions[8] such as UNICEF[16] and his song, "Plegaria de paz" (English: Prayer of Peace) was broadcast "three consecutive years at the Vatican".[12] Cantoral composed themes for El derecho de nacer, Paloma and Pacto de amor.[8][12]
1980–2000
In 1982, Cantoral was elected as Sociedad de Autores y Compositores de México's Chairman of the Board for his first term.[8][10][12]
Awards
During his lifetime, Cantoral received many awards. He received medals of merit from Adolfo López Mateos and Josip Broz Tito.[8] In 1969, Cantoral won la presea Diana Cazadora and premio Cuauhtémoc de Oro (English: Diana the Huntress award and Cuauhtémoc Gold prize).[8] He won three gold records for "El Reloj", "La Barca" and "El Triste".[8][15]
Personal life
Roberto Cantoral Cultural Center in Mexico City was named after him.
Cantoral resided in Rancho Viejo, Texas, just across the border from Mexico.[4] His home, which suffered a fire in 2006 but was renovated, features a large marble clock in honor of his song, El Reloj, and several statues.[4]
Cantoral was married to Itatí Zucchi[1] and was the father of Mexican actress Itatí Cantoral, the co-star of the Televisa television series Hasta Que El Dinero Nos Separe.[4] Roberto Cantoral had three sons, Carlos, Roberto and José, with Zucchi.[18][19]
