A death confirmed by the Culture Secretariat
Argentina’s National Culture Secretariat confirmed that Piero Antonio Franco De Benedictis, known artistically as Piero, died on October 7, 2026, in Buenos Aires City. He was 81.
The agency described him as a figure of Argentine popular music and recalled a career spanning more than six decades, with more than 25 albums and concerts across the region.
From Gallipoli to Argentine song
Piero was born on April 19, 1945, in Gallipoli, Italy, and arrived in Argentina at the age of three. According to the official profile, he developed practically his entire career in the country and made his television debut in 1964.
In 1968 he met José Tcherkaski, a key partnership for his repertoire. A year later he released “Mi viejo,” one of the songs highlighted by the Culture Secretariat in its review of his work.
A social repertoire and a Latin American route
During the 1970s, Piero also became associated with social and protest song. The Culture Secretariat cited works including “Para el pueblo lo que es del pueblo,” “Coplas de mi país,” “Pedro Nadie” and “Juan Boliche.”
His path extended beyond Argentina’s circuit: the official statement highlighted his performances across the region and recalled that he obtained Colombian nationality in 1996. It also noted the creation of the Buenas Ondas Foundation and the Konex Merit Diploma he received in 1985.
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