Pepe Torres
Pepe Torres | |
|---|---|
| Born | José Arturo Torres Ventocilla September 2, 1941 |
| Genres | Música criolla, Afro-Peruvian music, Classical guitar |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Guitar |
| Years active | 1957–present |
| Labels | IEMPSA, El Virrey, Sono Radio |
José Arturo Torres Ventocilla (born September 2, 1941), known professionally as Pepe Torres, is a Peruvian guitarist, composer, and musical director. Recognized as one of the leading exponents of Peruvian creole music, he has had a prolific career as a recording artist and served as the musical director for the long-running television show Trampolín a la Fama.[1]
Known as "La Guitarra de Oro del Perú" (The Golden Guitar of Peru), Torres played a key role in the dissemination of traditional Peruvian music on national television during the late 20th century.
Early life
Torres was born in the district of Gorgor, Cajatambo Province, in the Lima Region. He showed an inclination for music from an early age, influenced by his father, who was also a guitarist specializing in Andean folk music. He completed his secondary education at the Colegio Bartolomé Herrera in Lima.[1]
According to biographical accounts, he made his first public performance at age 13. At 16, after receiving his first professional guitar as a gift, he began his artistic career, recording an album in 1957 with musicians Lucas Borja and Alicia Lizárraga.[2]
Career
Musical career
In 1962, Torres signed a contract with the record label IEMPSA, where he worked for five years alongside the renowned guitarist Óscar Avilés. During this period, he participated in recording sessions for major artists of the creole genre, including Edith Barr, Carmencita Lara, Tania Libertad, Luis Abanto Morales, Chabuca Granda, and Lucha Reyes.
In 1973, he toured the United States and Europe with the group "Perú Folklórico". Throughout his career, he has released over 15 instrumental albums as a soloist, blending classical techniques with traditional Peruvian rhythms.
Television and production
Torres achieved widespread national fame as a television personality. He served as the musical director for Trampolín a la Fama, a highly popular variety show hosted by Augusto Ferrando. In the 1990s, he was hired by TV Perú (the national broadcaster) to develop the musical program Mediodía Criollo, hosted by Cecilia Barraza.[3]
In 1971, he founded the "Academia Pepe Torres", a music school dedicated to teaching guitar, which he continues to direct.
Discography
Selected studio albums
- La Tapa (1971)
- La Tapa Vol. II (1975)
- 25 Años con mi Guitarra (1977)
- En Europa (1979)
- Guitarra en América (1995)
- Peruvian Magic Guitars, Vol. 1 (1998)
- Melodías criollas con Pepe Torres (2003)
- Pepe Torres y su guitarra clásica (2015)
- Guitarra maestra (2017)
See also
References
- ^ a b "Pepe Torres: la 'leyenda viviente de Gorgor' y emblema de la guitarra peruana" [Pepe Torres: The 'living legend of Gorgor' and emblem of the Peruvian guitar]. El Comercio (in Spanish). Lima. 2023-09-02. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- ^ "Pepe Torres, uno de los íconos de la guitarra peruana" [Pepe Torres, one of the icons of the Peruvian guitar]. Perú21 (in Spanish). 2022-09-02. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- ^ Vadillo, José (2017-09-09). "Pepe Torres, el cuerdista de Gorgor". El Peruano (in Spanish). Retrieved 2026-01-20.