The first time I heard “Vals para José” by Pablo Banchero — Pablo sent his brand-new music to me via WhatsApp — I was deeply moved by its tenderness — a vals that feels like a quiet embrace, full of gratitude and emotion. Later, friends explained to me that this beautiful piece is dedicated to Joe Fish. Once I learned who he was, the music suddenly made even more sense.
Joe Fish was a British entrepreneur whose life changed forever when he discovered tango in the 1980s. What began with watching Tango Argentino in London soon became a lifelong devotion. Tango was no longer just music or dance for him — it became a way of life, almost a spiritual path.
During my visit to Nito & Elba García (you can read about it HERE), I was extremely proud that they invited me into their home; they also spoke to me about Joe Fish. With great warmth and respect, they shared that they were his teachers — a detail that reveals just how deeply and seriously he approached tango. As a gesture of gratitude and appreciation, Joe Fish granted them free lifetime entry to Salón Marabú, so we can still see this amazing legendary couple there many times.
And Marabú itself is central to Joe Fish’s legacy. Thanks to his vision and determination, this iconic salón — once home to figures like Troilo, Manzi, and Mores — was rescued, restored, and returned to the tango community. What could have become just another commercial space remains a living temple of tango.
Through his foundation, The Argentine Tango Society, Joe Fish also supported orchestras, musicians, dancers, and historical preservation projects, ensuring that tango’s roots would continue to nourish future generations.
Knowing all this, “Vals para José” feels like much more than a musical dedication. It is a heartfelt thank-you — not only to a man, but to someone who gave back to tango with humility, generosity, and love.
Tango remembers those who care for it. And Joe Fish is one of them.
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