Alejo Durán

Gilberto Alejandro Durán Diaz, known to all as Alejo Durán or "El Negro Grande" (the Big Black Man) (February 9, 1919 – November 15, 1989) was a Colombian vallenato music traditional composer, singer and accordionist.

Duran was born in El Paso, Cesar. He is notorious for lyrically "self-flagellating" himself in his songs. In 1968 Duran gained notoriety for winning the first version of the "Vallenato Legend Festival" in the city of Valledupar and is often cited as one of the best Vallenato musician of all times. He died in Montería, Córdoba.

Colombian musician Carlos Vives did cover versions of his songs.

Popular songs he wrote include "Altos del Rosario", "Pedazo de Acordeón" and "La Cachucha Bacana".

References

(Spanish) La Vallenata Radio Station: Alejo Durán Díaz" El rey de la leyenda Vallenata" (the king of the vallenato legend)
(Spanish) Luis Angel Arango Library: DURAN DIAZ GILBERTO ALEJANDRO El rey Negro del Acordeón (the black king of accordion)

Vallenato Musicians

Renowned vallenato musicians Alejo Durán • Alfredo Gutierrez • Diomedes Diaz • Fonseca • Colacho Mendoza • Rafael Escalona • Emiliano Zuleta • Jorge Oñate • Iván Villazón • Kaleth Morales • Silvestre Dangond • Carlos Vives • Juancho De la Espriella • The Children of Vallenato

Persondata
Name	Duran, Alejo
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	February 9, 1919
Place of birth
Date of death	November 15, 1989
Place of death