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Argentine guitarist, composer, and pioneer of early tango music. Juan Alais was a foundational figure in Argentine folk music, renowned for composing some of the first notated tangos. A self-taught guitarist, he worked menial jobs while creating influential works like 'El entrerriano' and 'El tigre,' blending rural milonga traditions with urban musical evolution.

• Alais died in extreme poverty, largely forgotten despite his contributions; his grave remained unmarked for decades.
• He worked as a railroad brakeman and street sweeper in Buenos Aires while composing, reflecting the working-class roots of early tango.
• Historical records about him are scarce, leading to debates over authorship of some pieces, though 'El entrerriano' (1897) is definitively attributed to him.
• His death certificate listed him as a 'widowed laborer' with no mention of his musical legacy, underscoring the marginalization of early tango pioneers.