Introduction
Alfredo Sadel (February 22, 1930 – June 28, 1989) was a popular Venezuelan singer and actor.
Early life
Born Manuel Alfredo Sánchez Luna in Caracas, Venezuela, to Manuel Sánchez Benítez and Luisa Amelia Luna.
Since his early childhood he showed interest in music, participating in the choir of the local church. His debut was singing “Ave Maria” at the Caracas’ Cathedral, he impressed those who listened to him.
He went to school to “Colegio Domingo Savio” at Los Teques, until the age of fourteen due to his family’s financial problems . Salesian priests, Calderon and Sidicontributed to his musical education.
By the time Alfredo was gaining fame, in the music industry, there were already two professionals called alike: Alci, and Alex Sánchez. Therefore, he decided to change his name: he took the first syllable of his last name “SA” and added “DEL” in honor to his idol Carlos Gardel.
Music career
Sadel was affectionately called "The Favorite Tenor of Venezuela".
Many different patrons sponsored his career, which started at “Escuela Superior de Música de Caracas” and continued in many different places such as Mexico City; New York City; Buenos Aires; Barcelona, Spain; Salzburg and Milan.
In 1948, he recorded the first albumproduced in Venezuela: “Diamante Negro” quickstep. The record was a sales successand the start of his upward musical career.
Illness and death
Sadel died in Caracas, Venezuela of cancer at age of 59.