Johnny Torales, singer of Los 3 Sudamericanos, dies at 98

Johnny Torales, the Paraguayan singer and founding member of the musical group Los 3 Sudamericanos, has died at the age of 98. He passed away from natural causes in Tarancón, Cuenca, following a decline in health after the death of his wife and artistic partner, Alma María Vaesken, in January.

Born in Asunción in 1928, Torales was known as ‘the golden voice of Asunción’ during his solo career, specializing in the guarania genre. In 1959, he co-founded Los 3 Sudamericanos with Vaesken and Casto Darío. The trio gained significant popularity across Latin America and Europe, particularly in Spain, during the 1960s.

Torales was recognized for his distinctive vocals on well-known tracks such as ‘Guantanamera’ and ‘Cuando salí de Cuba,’ as well as various guaranias. His professional and personal life was deeply intertwined with Vaesken, with whom he performed for decades.