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Piero, iconic Latin American singer, dies at 81
Piero De Benedictis, the renowned Italo-Argentine singer-songwriter known as Piero, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the age of 81 in Buenos Aires. He had been hospitalized at the Hospital Italiano for several days. While the exact cause of death has not been officially released, his family confirmed the news via social media, celebrating his musical legacy and message of peace.
Born in Gallipoli, Italy, in 1945, Piero moved to Argentina at age three. He became a defining voice in Latin American music, particularly through his 1969 classic “Mi viejo,” a tribute to the father figure. His career was also marked by significant social and political commitment; during the 1970s, his protest songs such as “Para el pueblo lo que es del pueblo” and “Que se vayan ellos” led to his exile in Spain following the 1976 military coup in Argentina.
Throughout his six-decade career, Piero collaborated with legendary artists like Mercedes Sosa and León Gieco. He maintained strong ties to Colombia, where he held citizenship and performed as recently as April 2026. Just days before his death, he expressed pride on social media that his music was featured in a Saint Laurent fashion show in Paris.
Entities
Argentina · Hospital Italiano · Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires · José Tcherkaski · Latin Recording Academy · León Gieco · Mercedes Sosa · Piero · Piero Antonio Franco De Benedictis · Piero De Benedictis · Saint Laurent
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] He was a prominent protest singer www.losprimeros.tv · www.tunoticia.com.ar
- [● 5 SOURCES] Piero Antonio Franco De Benedictis died on Wednesday, October 7 www.losprimeros.tv · www.tunoticia.com.ar
- [● 3 SOURCES] He was born in Italy www.tunoticia.com.ar
- [● 5 SOURCES] Piero was 81 years old www.losprimeros.tv · www.tunoticia.com.ar
- [● 4 SOURCES] He was hospitalized at Hospital Italiano www.losprimeros.tv · www.tunoticia.com.ar
- [● 2 SOURCES] He composed the music for 'Mi viejo' www.tunoticia.com.ar
- [● 3 SOURCES] He was in exile between 1976 and 1981 www.losprimeros.tv
- [● 2 SOURCES] He received the Latin Grammy for Musical Excellence in 2016 www.tunoticia.com.ar