Alfredo Garrido García: A Life of Music, Memories, and Magic
Alfredo Garrido García was a unique artist, capable of speaking to the hearts of millions through his music. Born in Bilbao in 1933, Garrido dedicated his life to art in all its forms, leaving an indelible mark on the Spanish music scene. Although he passed away in September 2024, his memory lives on in every note, every melody he gifted us.
Alfredo Garrido’s career was long and filled with success. His beginnings date back to the 1950s when he began exploring the world of Basque folklore. At just 22 years old, he founded the group Los Chimberos, which achieved fame in 1958 with the song Las chicas de la Cruz Roja. This success launched him into an international career, leading him to perform in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where his talent as a composer began to shine.
But it was in the following years that Alfredo Garrido found his true path, becoming an icon of children’s music. His Spanish versions of the opening songs for animated series such as Mazinger Z, Marco, La abeja Maya, Pippi Longstocking, and Vicky the Viking reached the hearts of entire generations. These were not just songs: they were stories, emotions, and adventures that accompanied the dreams of millions of children, creating unforgettable memories.
One of the most emblematic examples of his cultural impact is the giant statue of Mazinger Z in Cabra del Camp, Tarragona. Built in 1978, this monument is not only a tribute to the famous robot but also a homage to Garrido, whose name is inscribed on the plaza housing the statue. “Mazinger Z has given me so much,” Alfredo once said. “Even today, when I attend events or fairs, I’m amazed by the long lines of people asking for my autograph. It’s an indescribable emotion.”
Garrido was not only a performer but also a successful producer and artistic director. In 1971, he was appointed artistic director of Philips-Polygram, where he worked with artists of the caliber of Nino Bravo, Paco de Lucía, Camarón de la Isla, Plácido Domingo, and Luz Casal. Thanks to his sensitivity and talent, he created deep connections between artists and audiences, turning every project into a success.
Alfredo also had a special bond with the Canary Islands, where he was a frequent guest at cultural events. In 2018, he participated in an exhibition in Icod de los Vinos dedicated to the 40th anniversary of Mazinger Z. The event attracted thousands of visitors, demonstrating how much he was still loved and appreciated by the public.
Alfredo Garrido García’s music was not just a form of art but a bridge between people, a tool for conveying emotions and creating bonds. His voice continues to resonate in the memories of those who grew up with his melodies and in the hearts of those lucky enough to have known him.
Although Alfredo is no longer with us, his spirit lives on through his music. Every song, every note he composed or performed, is a small piece of eternity that will continue to move and inspire future generations. Alfredo Garrido García left us an invaluable gift: the power of music to make us feel alive, connected, and happy. Thank you, Alfredo, for giving us a life filled with magic.