{{short description|Argentine singer (1973–2000)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}} {{good article}} {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians --> | name = Rodrigo | background = solo_singer | image = | image_size = | caption = Rodrigo in 1991 | birth_name = Rodrigo Alejandro Bueno | alias = ''El Potro'' ("The Colt") | birth_date = {{Birth date|1973|5|24|df=y}} | birth_place = Córdoba, Argentina | death_date = {{death date and age|2000|6|24|1973|5|24|df=y}} | death_place = Berazategui, Argentina | genre = Cuarteto, salsa, merengue | occupation = Singer-songwriter | instrument = Vocals | years_active = 1988–2000 | label = Polygram Records, Sony Music, Magenta Records | associated_acts = Manto Negro, Walter Olmos, Tambo Tambo, La nueva luna | website = Elpotrorodrigo.com ''(defunct)'' 175px|alt=A signature penned in black ink<br />Signature of Rodrigo }}
'''Rodrigo Alejandro Bueno''' ({{IPA|es|roˈðɾiɣo aleˈxandɾo ˈβweno|lang}}; 24 May 1973 – 24 June 2000), also known by his stage name '''Rodrigo''' or his nickname "'''El Potro'''" ("the Colt"), was an Argentine singer of cuarteto music. He is widely regarded as the best, most famous and most influential singer in the history of this genre.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.argentinaindependent.com/the-arts/music/music-for-the-weekend-el-potro-rodrigo/ |title=Music for the Weekend: 'El Potro' Rodrigo ‹ the Argentina Independent |access-date=27 October 2017 |archive-date=27 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027232049/http://www.argentinaindependent.com/the-arts/music/music-for-the-weekend-el-potro-rodrigo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Bueno's style was marked by his on-stage energy and charisma. His short, dyed hair and casual clothes differed from typical cuarteto singers with strident colors and long curly hair. During his career, Bueno expanded cuarteto music to the Argentine national scene, remaining one of the main figures of the genre. The son of Eduardo Alberto Bueno, a record shop owner and music producer, and Beatriz Olave, a songwriter and newsstand owner, Rodrigo Bueno was born into the cuarteto musical scene in Córdoba, Argentina. He first appeared on television at the age of two, on the show ''Fiesta de Cuarteto'', along with family friend Juan Carlos "La Mona" Jiménez. With the help of his father, he recorded an album of children's songs, ''Disco Baby'', at the age of five. During his preteen years he informally joined the local band Chébere<ref>''Revista de música latinoamericana'' Vol.25 2004 p245 "In chapter 5 Florine analyses the group dynamics and cultures of six cuarteto bands: Chébere, La Band del "Negro" Videla, Tru-la-lá, Gary, Santamarina, and Carlitos "La Mona" Jimenez."</ref> during live performances. He dropped out of school at the age of twelve and successfully auditioned for the band Manto Negro. After five years without success in Córdoba, Bueno's father decided to try to launch his son's career as a soloist in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 1990, Bueno released his first record, ''La Foto de tu Cuerpo'', on Polygram Records. Bueno introduced his next album, ''Aprendiendo a Vivir'', with a live performance at the nightclub Fantástico Bailable. The performance brought him his first recognition in the tropical music scene.
In 1995, Bueno signed a contract with Sony Music that lasted only for the release of the album ''Sabroso''; the next year he signed a contract with Magenta Records that granted him one percent of his record sales. He discarded salsa and merengue from his repertoire, recording and performing exclusively cuarteto. His first release with the label, ''Lo Mejor del Amor'', became an instant radio hit, earning him national fame and an ACE Award for Best Musical Act. The success was followed by ''La Leyenda Continúa'' (certified gold by CAPIF) and ''Cuarteteando''. His 1999 release ''A 2000'' became the theme of a series of concerts begun in the Astral Theater and held the following year in the Luna Park Arena under the name of ''Cuarteto Característico Rodrigo A 2000'' ("Characteristic Cuarteto, Rodrigo to 2000"). The show sold out the stadium thirteen times, while the album ''A 2000'' was certified quadruple platinum.
Bueno's schedule at the time included twenty-five to thirty shows weekly. Due to his demanding tours, Bueno began consuming beer to excess, which began to interfere with his performing. His stress levels were further increased by receiving multiple death threats. Following a concert at the nightclub Escándalo in La Plata, Bueno was returning to the city of Buenos Aires on the evening of 24 June 2000. After his path was blocked by another driver who had passed him on the turnpike, Bueno tried to chase the vehicle to move in front of it again. In the process, he lost control of his SUV and crashed against a barrier. He was ejected from the SUV and was killed instantly. His death caused an immediate sensation in the Argentine media, with speculation about a possible murder conspiracy. After a short trial, the driver of the other vehicle was found not guilty; the judge considered Bueno to have been responsible for driving imprudently.
==Career== ===Early life and beginnings in music=== Rodrigo Alejandro Bueno was born on 24 May 1973, in Córdoba, Argentina, as the first of three brothers. His father, Eduardo Alberto Bueno, was a record store owner and music producer for Columbia Records<ref name="Recuerdos">{{cite news|url=http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/06/25/s-05504.htm|title=Recuerdos de Familia|language=es|trans-title=Family memories|date=23 June 2000|work=Clarín|publisher=Grupo Clarín|access-date=9 January 2013|archive-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921170118/http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/06/25/s-05504.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as BMG, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://weblogs.clarin.com/retrovisor/2007/06/25/|title=A siete años del Rodrigazo|trans-title=Seven years after the Rodrigazo|work=Clarín|publisher=Grupo Clarín|access-date=9 July 2013|author=Zanoni, Leandro|archive-date=2 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141002164015/http://weblogs.clarin.com/retrovisor/2007/06/25/|url-status=live}}</ref> His mother, Beatriz Olave, was a newsstand owner and songwriter.<ref name="Newsstand"/><ref name="CMTVinterview"/> Growing up, Bueno was influenced by the cuarteto scene. He made his first television appearance at the age of two on the show ''Fiesta del Cuarteto''; he appeared with an acquaintance of the family, Juan Carlos "La Mona" Jiménez.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lagaceta.com.ar/nota/384940/Espectaculos/|title=A 10 años de su muerte, el mito de El ''Potro'' sigue creciendo|language=es|trans-title=Ten years after his death, the myth of ''the Colt'' keeps growing|date=23 June 2011|work=La Gaceta from Tucumán|publisher=Alberto García Hamilton III|access-date=9 January 2013|archive-date=2 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141002163557/http://www.lagaceta.com.ar/nota/384940/Espectaculos/|url-status=live}}</ref> Jiménez would later become his main musical influence, along with the bands Cuarteto de Oro, Berna and La Leo. During family meetings, Bueno would sing their songs for his relatives into a wooden microphone, a gift from his carpenter uncle.
At the age of five, with the help of his father, he recorded his first album, ''Disco Baby''. One of the songs from the set, a cover of a María Elena Walsh song, was used as the opening theme of the children's show ''Carozo y Narizota'', broadcast on El Trece (Channel 13) in Argentina.<ref name="CMTVinterview"/><ref name="bio">{{cite news|url=http://www.diaadia.com.ar/show/biografia-rodrigo-bueno-malquerido|title=La biografía de Rodrigo Bueno, el malquerido|language=es|trans-title=Rodrigo Bueno Biography, the Unloved|date=7 July 2012|work=Dia a Dia Show|publisher=diaadia.com.ar|access-date=9 January 2013|archive-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053652/http://www.diaadia.com.ar/show/biografia-rodrigo-bueno-malquerido|url-status=live}}</ref>
Growing up, Bueno worked as a paperboy at the newsstand of his grandmother, Hortensia.<ref name="Newsstand">{{cite news|url=http://buscador.lavoz.com.ar/intervoz/2000/06/25/ig_n26.htm|title=Un golpe al corazón de los vendedores de diarios|work=La Voz del Interior|publisher=La Voz.com.ar|date=25 June 2000|access-date=7 April 2013|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927170818/http://buscador.lavoz.com.ar/intervoz/2000/06/25/ig_n26.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1984, he attended concerts of the local band Chébere and was occasionally invited to join them on stage. The next year, he dropped out of school and started working at his father's record shop, where he sometimes sang for the customers. A friend of his father belonged to the local band Manto Negro and offered Rodrigo a spot in the band. This is where he formally started his career in music, signing his first contract and earning his first salary as a musician at age thirteen.<ref name="Recuerdos"/><ref name="Veintidos"/> Bueno had written songs since the age of ten, but he would not show them to his colleagues because of his grammar mistakes.<ref name="Veintidos">{{cite journal|journal=Veintidós|year=2000|title=Rodrigo conquista Buenos Aires|language=es|trans-title=Rodrigo Conquers Buenos Aires|author=Blanc Deló, Natalia|number=88–97|publisher=Comunicación Grupo Tres}}</ref>
===Becoming a soloist and rise to fame=== As Rodrigo failed to achieve success in Córdoba after five years with ''Manto Negro'', his father and manager Eduardo decided to launch Rodrigo's career as a soloist in Buenos Aires. In 1990, he published his debut album, ''La Foto de tu Cuerpo'', through Polygram Records.<ref name="bio"/><ref name="Veintidos"/> Although he described himself as a "cuarteto fan", his first album had a rock style.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tn.com.ar/musica/hoy/el-potro-rodrigo-cantante-de-cuarteto-vida-de-rock_100326|title=Personajes: Rodrigo|language=es|trans-title=Characters: Rodrigo|date=7 July 2012|access-date=8 January 2012|work=Todo Noticias|publisher=Grupo Clarín|archive-date=3 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203121310/http://tn.com.ar/musica/hoy/el-potro-rodrigo-cantante-de-cuarteto-vida-de-rock_100326|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1991, he published his next album, ''Aprendiendo a Vivir'', which he promoted with his first appearance in Buenos Aires at the nightclub Fantástico Bailable. The success of his performance propelled the sales of the record and gained Bueno the acknowledgement of the tropical music scene. It was followed by ''Completamente Enamorado'', ''Muy Bueno'' and ''Made in Argentina'', which met with moderate success. In 1993, his father died of a heart attack in Bueno's arms prior to a concert where he would promote his new release ''La Joya''. Bueno was forced to perform and later considered retiring.<ref name="bio"/> {{Listen |filename=Lo Mejor del Amor Rodrigo Bueno.ogg|title="Lo Mejor del Amor" |description=The title-track of Bueno's 1996 album. The popularity of the recordings propelled Bueno to achieve national fame in Argentina.}}
After six months of mourning, he returned with ''Made in Córdoba''. As his popularity in Buenos Aires was rising, he left Polygram Records and signed a contract with Sony Music. During his short stint with the company, he recorded ''Sabroso'', composed of salsa and merengue songs.<ref name="bio"/> Despite Bueno's rising popularity, the recording executives still did not believe he could become a major success.<ref name="Veintidos"/> After experimenting with salsa and merengue, then performing as a ballad crooner, he shifted his style and repertoire entirely to cuarteto.<ref>{{cite book|author=Clarín staff|title=Anuario 2000 – 2001 Clarín|chapter=Rodrigo, el nacimiento de un mito|trans-title=Clarín 2000 – 2001 Yearbook|trans-chapter=Rodrigo, the birth of a myth|page=325|publisher=Grupo Clarín|year=2000|isbn=950-782-127-9}}</ref> In 1996, he signed a contract with Magenta Records that gave him 1% of his total record sales.<ref name="ti"/> The songs from his first album release, ''Lo Mejor del Amor'', became major radio hits that propelled him to national fame and earned him an ACE Award for Best Musical Act from the Argentine Association of Entertainment Journalists. The next year he published ''La Leyenda Continua'', recorded live at Fantástico Bailable. The record was later certified gold by the Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers.<ref name="cmtv"/> The success of those albums was followed by ''Cuarteteando'', which included the hit songs "Ocho Cuarenta" and "Y voló, voló".<ref name="cmtv">{{cite web|url=http://www.cmtv.com.ar/biografia/show.php?bnid=258|title=Rodrigo|work=CMTV|publisher=Canal Musical|access-date=7 January 2013|archive-date=5 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605013359/http://www.cmtv.com.ar/biografia/show.php?bnid=258|url-status=live}}</ref> ''La Leyenda Continúa'' and ''Cuarteteando'' sold 60,000 copies each.<ref name="Veintidos"/>
===''Cuarteto Característico Rodrigo A 2000'' live performances=== In December 1999, Bueno published the album ''A 2000'', which he promoted with a series of four sold-out concerts at the Astral Theater on Corrientes Avenue, the city's entertainment and cultural center.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/01/02/c-01603d.htm|title=Un chico precoz|language=es|trans-title=A precocious kid|date=2 January 2000|access-date=7 January 2013|work=Clarín|publisher=Grupo Clarín|archive-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110135723/http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/01/02/c-01603d.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Bueno began 2000 with a major tour of Argentina's main summer spots on its Atlantic Coast. He performed 49 concerts in nine days, including one in front of more than 100,000 people in the tourist hotspot of Mar del Plata.<ref name="pag12"/> Following the success of the show at the Astral Theater, Bueno presented a series of concerts called ''Cuarteto Característico Rodrigo A 2000'' (Characteristic Cuarteto, Rodrigo to 2000) in the Luna Park Arena starting on 5 April 2000.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/03/31/c-00301g.htm|title=Llegó la fiebre|language=es|trans-title=The Fever has Arrived|work=Clarín|publisher=Grupo Clarín|date=31 March 2000|access-date=7 January 2012|archive-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055254/http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/03/31/c-00301g.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> {{Listen |filename=Amor Clasificado Rodrigo Bueno.ogg|title="Amor Clasificado" |description=Part of the album ''A 2000'', the song was performed by Bueno during his concerts at the Luna Park}}
The only rehearsal was performed with the band Cuarteto Leo, held in the club Mundo Bailable, owned by his manager Jose Luis Gozalo. Gozalo invested ARS80,000 (equivalent to US${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|80,000|2000|r=-2}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}})<ref name="peso">During the late 1980s until the crisis of 2001, Argentina adopted the suggestion of the IMF to fix the exchange rate of the Argentine peso (ARS) to 1ARS=1US$ ({{cite web|url=http://ucatlas.ucsc.edu/sap/argentina_crisis.php|title=Argentina – Economic Crisis of 2001|work=The UC Atlas of Global Inequality|publisher=University of California, Santa Cruz|access-date=13 January 2012|archive-date=4 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104214914/http://ucatlas.ucsc.edu/sap/Argentina_crisis.php|url-status=live}})</ref>{{inflation-fn|US}} in publicity, while he requested Tito Lectoure, the owner of the arena, to advance him ARS50,000 (equivalent to US${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|50,000|2000|r=-2}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}})<ref name="peso"/>{{inflation-fn|US}} from the ticket sales to pay previous debts. The show was also financed by the alfajor manufacturer Jorgito and the bus company Flecha Bus, while the wardrobe was provided by Ona Sáez.<ref name="RS">{{cite magazine|author=Cicco, Emilio Fernández|url=https://www.rollingstone.com.ar/583046|title=Rodrigo Superstar|date=1 November 2002|access-date=7 April 2013|magazine=Rolling Stone|publisher=Wenner Media LLC|language=es|archive-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921061004/http://www.rollingstone.com.ar/583046|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to the venue's fame for hosting boxing matches, the concerts were conceptualized with boxing elements. Bueno performed dressed in boxing trunks and made his entrance to the stage wearing a robe and walking through a hall in the crowd to the ring-themed stage, emulating a boxing match.<ref name="Luna Park"/><ref name="LunaP"/> With an estimated length of two-and-a-half hours, the show included original songs, as well as classics of the cuarteto genre as a tribute to his early influence Cuarteto Leo.<ref name="Luna Park">{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/12225-rodrigo-en-su-primer-round|title=Rodrigo en su primer round|author=Franco, Adriana|work=La Nación|publisher=Grupo Diarios de America|date=6 April 2000|access-date=7 January 2013|archive-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110185835/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/12225-rodrigo-en-su-primer-round|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/04/08/c-02001d.htm|title=Un Potro desbocado|author=Martelli, Ernesto|work=Clarín|publisher=Grupo Clarín|date=8 April 2000|access-date=7 January 2013|archive-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110184940/http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/04/08/c-02001d.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
Gozalo negotiated the broadcast of the first concert with Azul Televisión. The filming of subsequent performances was halted by the Kirovsky brothers, owners of Magenta Records. The brothers sent a cease and desist order to the channel, claiming that Magenta owned Bueno's personality rights.<ref name="RS"/> The sold-out event, originally scheduled for eight performances, was extended to a total of thirteen sold-out concerts<ref name="LunaP">{{cite news|url=http://www.lavoz.com.ar/ciudadanos/13-noches-que-compartio-con-rodrigo-luna-park|title=Las 13 noches que compartió con Rodrigo en el Luna Park|trans-title=The 13 nights he shared with Rodrigo at the Luna Park|work=La Voz del Interior|publisher=la voz.com.ar|date=28 August 2012|access-date=13 January 2013|archive-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110184451/http://www.lavoz.com.ar/ciudadanos/13-noches-que-compartio-con-rodrigo-luna-park|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/191889-rodrigo-le-pone-musica-de-cuarteto-a-la-ciudad|title=Rodrigo le pone música de cuarteto a la ciudad|language=es|trans-title=Rodrigo Adds Cuarteto Music to the City|work=La Nación|publisher=Grupo de Diarios de America|date=7 April 2000|access-date=7 January 2013|archive-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110184638/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/191889-rodrigo-le-pone-musica-de-cuarteto-a-la-ciudad|url-status=live}}</ref> grossing a total of ARS1.3 million.<ref name="numbers">{{cite news|url=http://www.terra.com.ar/canales/musica/20/20191.html|title=El fenómeno de Rodrigo, en números|language=es|trans-title=The phenomena of Rodrigo, in numbers|work=Terra Música|publisher=Terra Networks, S.A|date=22 June 2001|access-date=13 January 2013|archive-date=4 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104231759/http://www.terra.com.ar/canales/musica/20/20191.html|url-status=live}}</ref> (equivalent to US${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1,300,000|2000|r=-6}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}).<ref name="peso"/>{{inflation-fn|US}} Meanwhile, the album ''A 2000'' was certified quadruple platinum by CAPIF,<ref name="Veintidos"/> selling 750,000 copies.<ref name="MTV"/>
In addition to the show, Bueno was also performing an estimated of twenty-five to thirty concerts per week, including nightclubs, television and other concerts.<ref name="Veintidos"/> On 8 April, he received the keys to the city of Formosa after having offered a concert in spite of the celebrations of its 121st anniversary.<ref name="RS"/> Due to the effort that the appearances required, Bueno starting drinking beer to excess.<ref name="pag12"/> His stress was also increased by multiple death threats, including a gang shooting near his house in Córdoba. He also received a bullet with his name engraved on it, according to recollections by Joaquín Levinton, lead singer of the band Turf.<ref name="pag12"/>
His personal profits at the time came from receiving 1% royalties on an estimated ARS9 million (equivalent to US${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|9,000,000|2000|r=-6}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}<ref name="peso"/>{{inflation-fn|US}}) in record sales, as well as an additional ARS600,000 (equivalent to US${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|600,000|2000|r=-3}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}<ref name="peso"/>{{inflation-fn|US}}) for album re-editions and ARS500,000 (equivalent to US${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|500,000|2000|r=-3}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}<ref name="peso"/>{{inflation-fn|US}}) for a merchandise deal with Torneos y Competencias.<ref name="ti"/> Affected by his lifestyle and by disputes with Magenta Records,<ref name="RS"/> Bueno announced his impending retirement on 11 April 2000.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/04/11/e-04301d.htm|title=El cantante Rodrigo dijo que se retirará de los escenarios|language=es|trans-title=The singer Rodrigo said that he will retire from stage performances|date=11 April 2000|access-date=7 January 2013|work=Clarín|publisher=Grupo Clarín|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053934/http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/04/11/e-04301d.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> He detailed that he would finish his scheduled concerts, including a Christmas tour throughout the United States. His last live performance, scheduled to take place at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, was to be released as his final album entitled ''Adiós Rodrigo''. Bueno added that he would become a record producer and move to the United States.<ref name="RS"/>
==Death== ===Background=== On 23 June 2000, at 20:00, Bueno attended a taping of ''La Biblia y el Calefón'' hosted by Jorge Guinzburg on Canal 13. When the show ended at 22:45, Bueno went to the restaurant El Corralón in Buenos Aires' Palermo neighborhood, where he dined with his family, Fernando Olmedo (son of the comedian Alberto Olmedo) and comedian Pepe Parada. Olmedo remarked that he had never seen one of Bueno's shows, and Bueno invited him to a show that same night at the club Escándalo in La Plata. Bueno gave a two-and-a-half-hour performance in front of an audience of 2,000. When the concert was over, he was asked to stay at the club to rest, but Bueno refused, expressing his desire to drive.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/06/25/s-05101.htm|title=Noche de trabajo y buen humor|trans-title=Night of work and good mood|language=es|work=Clarín|publisher=Grupo Clarín|date=25 June 2000|access-date=22 January 2013|archive-date=23 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923024217/http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/06/25/s-05101.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Accident=== In the early hours of 24 June, after the show in La Plata, Bueno was driving back to Buenos Aires in a Ford Explorer SUV with his ex-wife, Patricia Pacheco; his son, Ramiro; Fernando Olmedo; musician Jorge Moreno; and radio host Alberto Pereyra.<ref name="pag12">{{cite news|url=http://www.pagina12.com.ar/2000/00-06/00-06-25/pag25.htm|title=El Día que Comenzo la Leyenda del Potro|work=Página 12|date=25 June 2000|access-date=6 January 2013|archive-date=11 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611122842/http://www.pagina12.com.ar/2000/00-06/00-06-25/pag25.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> According to eyewitness accounts, after stopping at a toll booth in the Hudson area of the Buenos Aires – La Plata Highway at between 0330 and 0345, Bueno's path was blocked by a white Chevrolet K5 Blazer four-wheel drive with tinted windows. In anger, Bueno started chasing the Blazer. He tried to pass it by closing onto it with the front of his SUV. After brushing the side of the Blazer, he lost control of his Explorer and crashed against a highway barrier. The SUV tumbled {{convert|400|m|sp=us}} and the driver's door and left back door opened. Bueno and Olmedo, who were not wearing seat belts, were thrown from the car around kilometer 24.5–25 of the highway. Bueno died at the scene. Olmedo died afterwards at Evita Pueblo Hospital. The other passengers were not seriously injured in the crash.<ref name="pag12"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/360451-ruegos-y-alegrias|title=Ruegos y alegrías|work=La Nación|publisher=Grupo de Diarios América|author=Cappiello, Hernán|date=19 December 2001|access-date=6 January 2013|archive-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110163651/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/360451-ruegos-y-alegrias|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="death-clarin">{{cite news|url=http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/06/25/s-04801.htm|title=Otro ídolo con final trágico: Rodrigo se mató en un accidente|work=Clarín|publisher=Grupo Clarín|date=25 June 2000|access-date=7 January 2012|archive-date=23 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223034937/http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/06/25/s-04801.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/06/25/s-05001.htm|title=No tenían puesto el cinturón de seguridad|trans-title=They did not have their seat belts fastened|work=Clarín|publisher=Grupo Clarín|date=25 June 2000|access-date=22 January 2012|archive-date=5 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100805070659/http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/06/25/s-05001.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
Bueno's remains were taken to Lanús, where he was scheduled to perform that Saturday night, and where he was later declared an "Illustrious Citizen" by mayor Manuel Quindimil. His funeral took place there. An estimated 20,000 mourners passed his body and police presence was granted after minor incidents took place.<ref name="pag12"/><ref name="death-clarin"/> A helicopter and 400 police officers were deployed,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/06/26/s-03001.htm|title=Más de 400 policías y un helicóptero en la despedida de Rodrigo|trans-title=More than 400 policemen and a helicopter on Rodrigo's farewell|work=Clarín|publisher=Grupo Clarín|date=26 June 2000|access-date=7 April 2013|author1=Caruso, Liliana|author2=Galvan, Carlos|archive-date=29 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629012300/http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2000/06/26/s-03001.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> while six medical units were dispatched to assist a number of fans that fainted.<ref name="MTV"/> Along with other famous singers who died at the same age, he became part of the 27 Club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.forteantimes.com/features/articles/6250/the_forever_27_club.html|title=The forever 27 Club|author=Saunders, Christian|work=Fortean Times Magazine|publisher=Dennis Publishing Limited|date=January 2012|access-date=10 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120045044/http://www.forteantimes.com/features/articles/6250/the_forever_27_club.html|archive-date=20 November 2014}}</ref>
===Controversy, investigation of the accident and initial reaction=== Bueno was booked to appear on Saturday on the show ''Siempre Sábado''. Instead, his band played in the show as a tribute without anybody singing. Conspiracy theories surfaced claiming that Bueno's death was linked to a "Bailanta Mafia" and that he received death threats in the days prior to the accident.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/29611-mafias-y-negocios-turbios-son-el-lado-oculto-de-la-bailanta|title=Mafias y negocios turbios son el lado oculto de la bailanta|language=es|trans-title=Mafias and dirty business are the hidden side of Bailanta|author=Carabajal, Gustavo|work=La Nacion|publisher=Grupo de Diarios América|access-date=10 January 2013|archive-date=16 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016212552/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/29611-mafias-y-negocios-turbios-son-el-lado-oculto-de-la-bailanta|url-status=live}}</ref> Bueno's mother did not attend his funeral, but she appeared on the show and said that the question of accident versus murder would soon be clarified.<ref name="pag12"/>
The forensic report stated that he died of "cranioencephalic trauma". Luis Armelo, the correctional prosecutor of Quilmes called the case a ''homicidio culposo con lesiones'' (negligent homicide with injuries). The 1st Police Precinct of Berazategui identified the driver of the Chevrolet Blazer as Alfredo Pesquera, a local businessman. The next year, Pesquera was taken to trial. The prosecutor alleged that his maneuver eventually led to the death of Bueno and requested a thirteen-year sentence. In December 2001, Ariel González Eli Abe and Margarita Allaza de Iturburu, members of the 2nd Criminal Tribunal of Quilmes, concluded that the death of Bueno was caused by his own unsafe driving. Pesquera was declared innocent and released.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/360450-pesquera-no-fue-responsable-de-la-muerte-de-rodrigo|title=Pesquera no fue responsable de la muerte de Rodrigo|date=19 December 2001|access-date=6 January 2013|work=La Nacion|publisher=Grupo de Diarios América|author=Cappiello, Hernán|archive-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110150504/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/360450-pesquera-no-fue-responsable-de-la-muerte-de-rodrigo|url-status=live}}</ref> Following Bueno's death, four teen fans committed suicide.<ref name="MTV">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1121821/vigil-suicides-follow-rodrigos-death.jhtml|title=Vigil, Suicides, Suspicions Follow Rodrigo Bueno's Death|work=MTV News|publisher=MTV Networks|author=Nickson, Chris|date=7 July 2000|access-date=7 April 2013|archive-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110193022/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1121821/vigil-suicides-follow-rodrigos-death.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pagina12.com.ar/2000/00-06/00-06-30/pag17.htm|title=Los detalles de una noche fatal|language=es|trans-title=The details of a fatal night|work=Página 12|date=30 June 2001|access-date=11 January 2013|author=Kollmann, Raúl|archive-date=5 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705011354/http://www.pagina12.com.ar/2000/00-06/00-06-30/pag17.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The sales of his records and merchandise skyrocketed. Bueno sold 500,000 records during his lifetime,<ref name="numbers"/> and the sales quintupled a month after his death, with his last album selling more than a million copies.<ref name=bilboard/> The records grossed a total of ARS15 million (equivalent to US${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|15,000,000|2001|r=-6}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}<ref name="peso"/>{{inflation-fn|US}}), three times the total amount that he made during his career.<ref name="D'Addario"/> Reruns of his concerts garnered large audiences when they were broadcast on television stations such as Azul Televisión, América 2 and Crónica TV.<ref name="D'Addario">{{cite news|url=http://www.pagina12.com.ar/2001/01-06/01-06-24/pag37.htm|title=Los héroes no son de mentira|language=es|trans-title=Heroes are not unreal|work=Página 12|author=D’Addario, Fernando|date=24 June 2001|access-date=11 January 2013|archive-date=11 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611192228/http://www.pagina12.com.ar/2001/01-06/01-06-24/pag37.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
A series of tribute albums was released in the subsequent months by the companies owning his catalogs. His band divided into ''La Banda del Potro'', represented by Leader Music, and ''Auténtica Banda de Rodrigo'', represented by Magenta Records. Both bands released 11 albums, grossing a total of ARS1 million<ref name=bilboard/> (equivalent to US${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1,000,000|2001|r=-6}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}<ref name="peso"/>{{inflation-fn|US}}). In 2000, while Bueno's popularity was soaring in Buenos Aires, consulting agency Delfos found that among people in Córdoba, 72% preferred the music of "La Mona" Jiménez while 15% preferred Bueno. The following year, Jiménez was listed at 46%, while the numbers for Bueno increased to 40%.<ref name="bio"/>
In 2011, a new theory surfaced after the newspaper ''Crónica'' spoke to the police about the cause of the accident. The police source mentioned the possibility that Rodrigo's intensive routine might have increased the production of adrenaline in his body. The investigators explained that, if Rodrigo did not release the excess adrenaline through urination after his last concert, he could have lost his sense of distance in relation to Pesquera's Blazer. This could have caused Rodrigo to apply the brake and turn the wheel violently.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cronica.com.ar/diario/2011/06/24/7631-las-posibles-causas-de-la-muerte-de-rodrigo.html|title=Las posibles causas de la muerte de Rodrigo|trans-title=The possible causes of Rodrigo's death|language=es|work=Crónica|publisher=Diario Cronica|date=24 June 2011|access-date=16 April 2013|author=Crónica staff|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110195245/http://www.cronica.com.ar/diario/2011/06/24/7631-las-posibles-causas-de-la-muerte-de-rodrigo.html|archive-date=10 November 2013}}</ref>
===Lawsuits over the estate and burial=== Initially Bueno's mother claimed to be the absolute owner of his recorded material as well as profits. Judge Ricardo Sangiorg of the 76th Civil Court froze all of the assets held in bank accounts and copyrighted material hosted by SADAIC and the Argentine Musician's Union, as requested by the legal group Cúneo Libarona-Ballester, the representatives of Patricia Pacheco and her son Ramiro. Pacheco claimed that Ramiro Pacheco was the legitimate son of Bueno and requested a DNA test to verify it. The lawyers sent legal notices to Olave, her lawyer Miguel Angel Pierri and Gozalo stating that none of the assets of Bueno's estate could be used or spent until it was decided which one of the parties would inherit them.<ref name=son>{{cite news|url=http://www.pagina12.com.ar/2000/00-07/00-07-08/pag16.htm|title=En medio de la guerra, la fortuna de Rodrigo puede quedar embargada|language=es|trans-title=Rodrigo's fortune might be impounded|author=Kollmann, Raúl|work=Página 12|date=8 July 2000|access-date=7 January 2012|archive-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054700/http://www.pagina12.com.ar/2000/00-07/00-07-08/pag16.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
The DNA tests confirmed that Ramiro Pacheco was the son of Bueno and his surname was changed. Rodrigo's account at Credicoop Bank contained US$300,000, but it was emptied by his brother Ulises before it was blocked by Judge Sangiorg. The copyright holdings could not be transferred to Ramiro Bueno, since the original compositions of his father as well as other assets were registered on his behalf under the name of Ulises. Beatriz Olave negotiated deals over the image of Bueno for use on the jersey of the soccer team Club Atlético Belgrano.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cronica.com.ar/diario/2012/07/08/29186-exclusivo-rodrigo-y-la-verdad-sobre-la-herencia.html|title=Exclusivo: Rodrigo y la verdad sobre la herencia|trans-title=Exclusive: Rodrigo and the truth about his estate|language=es|author=Silva, Pablo|date=8 July 2012|access-date=7 January 2013|work=Cronica|publisher=Diario Cronica|archive-date=10 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710231604/http://www.cronica.com.ar/diario/2012/07/08/29186-exclusivo-rodrigo-y-la-verdad-sobre-la-herencia.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The disposition of Rodrigo's body became a subject of dispute. A possible cremation and transport of the ashes to the Córdoba province was denied by judicial authorities in case a future autopsy was needed.<ref name="NacBur">{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/22312-emotivo-adios-al-cantante-rodrigo|title=Emotivo adiós al cantante Rodrigo|trans-title=Emotional farewell to singer Rodrigo|language=es|work=La Nación|publisher=La Nacion.com.ar|access-date=8 April 2013|date=26 June 2000|archive-date=2 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602195831/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/22312-emotivo-adios-al-cantante-rodrigo|url-status=live}}</ref> The idea of a burial at the Lanús Municipal Cemetery was rejected by his mother due to concerns about vandalism. Instead, she decided to place the body in Las Praderas Cemetery in Monte Grande.<ref name="NacBur"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/23111-rodrigo-eleva-las-acciones-de-un-cementerio|title=Rodrigo eleva las acciones de un cementerio|trans-title=Rodrigo raises the stocks of a cemetery|language=es|work=La Nación|publisher=La Nacion.com.ar|date=2 July 2000|access-date=8 April 2013|archive-date=11 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611075354/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/23111-rodrigo-eleva-las-acciones-de-un-cementerio|url-status=live}}</ref> Since the investigation into Bueno's death was still open and further tests might be performed, his body was placed in a container by the Justice Ministry. In 2005, five years after his death, the case was closed and the burial was authorized. The body was placed in a marble mausoleum. His mother, manager and friends attended a memorial service where they placed a trophy over the marble grave, symbolizing the appreciation of his relatives, fans and friends.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/715655-a-cinco-anos-de-su-muerte-enterraron-los-restos-de-rodrigo-bueno|title=A cinco años de su muerte, enterraron los restos de Rodrigo Bueno|trans-title=Five years after his death, the remains of Rodrigo Bueno were interred|date=24 June 2005|access-date=7 January 2013|work=La Nacion|publisher=Grupo de Diarios América|archive-date=14 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111214033344/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/715655-a-cinco-anos-de-su-muerte-enterraron-los-restos-de-rodrigo-bueno|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Legacy==
Bueno spread ''cuarteto'', originally a typical genre from the Córdoba Province, to a national level.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://wvw.nacion.com/viva/2000/julio/02/espec9.html|author=Valente, Marcela|title=Muerte temprana, fórmula mágica|trans-title=Premature death, magical formula|work=Viva|publisher=La Nacion (San José)|date=2 July 2000|access-date=9 April 2013|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927190732/http://wvw.nacion.com/viva/2000/julio/02/espec9.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after his death on the 27th kilometer of the Buenos Aires-La Plata Highway, fans built a "sanctuary" memorial including a statue as a tribute. An estimated crowd of 15,000 fans gathered there on the first anniversary of his death in 2001.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://pdf.diariohoy.net/2001/06/25/pdf/1617.pdf|publisher=Diario Hoy|title=Una multitud recordó, bailó y lloró al ritmo de Rodrigo en el santuario|date=25 June 2001|access-date=9 January 2013|page=1|issue=54970|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003031836/http://pdf.diariohoy.net/2001/06/25/pdf/1617.pdf|archive-date=3 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The memorial suffered several attacks through the years for unclear reasons.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.infobae.com/2006/05/21/255980-atacaron-y-destruyeron-el-santuario-del-cuartetero-rodrigo|title=Atacaron y destruyeron el santuario al cuartetero Rodrigo|date=22 April 2006|access-date=25 August 2014|work=Infobae|publisher=AMDIA|archive-date=5 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605050942/http://www.infobae.com/2006/05/21/255980-atacaron-y-destruyeron-el-santuario-del-cuartetero-rodrigo|url-status=live}}</ref> One year after his death, Sony Records released the album ''Todos Juntos con Rodrigo'', which includes the original songs from ''Sabroso'' with added vocals from Argentine and international singers such as Celia Cruz and Luciano Pereyra. It soon went gold in Argentina with sales of 30,000 records.<ref name=bilboard>{{cite magazine|magazine=Billboard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yxIEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+%22rodrigo%22&pg=PA35|title=Sony's Tribute Affirms Rodrigo's Iconic Status|author=Fernandez Bitar, Marcelo|page=35|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|volume=113|number=31|issn=0006-2510|access-date=9 January 2013|date=4 August 2001|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107235224/https://books.google.com/books?id=yxIEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+%22rodrigo%22&pg=PA35|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, he posthumously received two Carlos Gardel Awards. He received Best Male Tropical Performer for the album ''A 2000'' and Song of the Year for his original "Soy Cordobés".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/60734-leon-gieco-una-luz-para-los-gardel|title=León Gieco, una luz para los Gardel|language=es|trans-title=León Gieco, a light for the Gardel Awards|work=La Nación|publisher=Grupo Diarios de América|date=20 April 2001|author=Apicella, Mauro|access-date=11 January 2013|archive-date=2 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602195825/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/60734-leon-gieco-una-luz-para-los-gardel|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Billboard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FikEAAAAMBAJ&q=rodrigo+%22capif%22&pg=PA116|title=Old Meets New|author=Bitar, Marcelo|date=12 May 2001|page=116|issn=0006-2510|volume=113|number=19|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|access-date=3 December 2020|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107235224/https://books.google.com/books?id=FikEAAAAMBAJ&q=rodrigo+%22capif%22&pg=PA116|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1999, Bueno introduced cuarteto singer Walter Olmos to the public scene with performances in several of his concerts in the Buenos Aires province. After Bueno's death, Olmos was popularly regarded as his musical heir, but he only enjoyed brief success before his death while playing Russian roulette in 2002.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2002/09/09/s-02601.htm|title=Walter Olmos se mató mientras jugaba con una pistola 22|trans-title=Walter Olmos killed himself while he played with a .22 pistol|language=es|date=9 September 2002|access-date=9 January 2013|work=Clarín|publisher=Grupo Clarín|archive-date=31 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831002600/http://edant.clarin.com/diario/2002/09/09/s-02601.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
''Rodrigo, La Película'' (''Rodrigo, The Movie'') opened on 12 April 2001, at a record 136 Argentine theaters. The movie depicts a love story involving a teenage girl (portrayed by Agustina Cherri) who idolized the singer and deals with Rodrigo's death amid a relationship with a teenage boy (Guillermo Pfening).<ref name=bookmovie>{{cite book |last1= Manrupe|first1= Raúl|last2= Portela|first2= María Alejandra| title= Un diccionario de films argentinos II: 1996-2002 |trans-title= A dictionary of Argentine films II: 1996-2002| year= 2003| publisher=Editorial Corregidor | location = Buenos Aires, Argentina| page=213 | isbn = 950-05-1525-3|language=es}}</ref> The movie contains montage of real concerts and songs as background.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/59822-como-aprovecharse-de-rodrigo|title=Cómo aprovecharse de Rodrigo|language=es|trans-title=How to take advantage of Rodrigo|author=Martínez, Adolfo|work=La Nación|publisher=Grupo Diarios de America|date=13 April 2001|access-date=9 January 2013|archive-date=2 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602195032/http://www.lanacion.com.ar/59822-como-aprovecharse-de-rodrigo|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telefe.com/cine-rodrigo-la-pelicula/|title=Rodrigo, la película|language=es|trans-title=Rodrigo, the movie|work=Telefé|publisher=Televisión Federal S.A|access-date=9 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152656/http://telefe.com/cine-rodrigo-la-pelicula/|archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> The film was not as successful as anticipated, however, and was regarded by some as an attempt to make a profit out of the memory of the singer.<ref>{{cite book|author=Neveleff, Julio|page=45|year=2007|title=Mar del Plata en el ojo del cine (1925–2006)|trans-title=Mar del Plata in the eyes of the cinema (1925–2006)|language=es|publisher=Ediciones Suárez|isbn=978-987-1314-30-0}}</ref> The entertainment magazine ''Sin Cortes'' described it as a "failed film" that "took advantage of the Rodrigo phenomena".<ref>{{cite journal|author=Graficarte staff|title=Sin Cortes|pages=8|publisher=Graficarte|year=2001|issue=130–131}}</ref>
Bueno, a Club Atlético Belgrano fan, is still regarded as an important figure within the club's fan base. A group of fans visited his mausoleum in 2011 on the 11th anniversary of his death. The team's jersey depicted his face as a tribute during the 2002–03 season of Argentina's Football First Division.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.inforegion.com.ar/vernota.php?id=233024&dis=1&sec=4|title=La camisetas de El Pirata cubren el santuario de Rodrigo|language=es|trans-title=The pirate jerseys cover Rodrigo's sanctuary|work=InfoRegión|publisher=Docentes investigadores del Laboratorio de Medios – UNLZ|date=24 June 2011|access-date=9 January 2013|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927020106/http://www.inforegion.com.ar/vernota.php?id=233024&dis=1&sec=4|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, the club's administration decided to raise funds to build a bronze statue of the singer to be placed in Gigante de Alberdi Stadium.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://442.perfil.com/2012-05-24-131197-un-monumento-pirata-para-rodrigo/|title=Un monumento ''pirata'' para Rodrigo|language=es|trans-title=A "pirate" monument to Rodrigo|author1=Abeijón Sarquís|author2=María Laura|work=442|publisher=Diarios Perfil|date=24 April 2012|access-date=9 January 2013|archive-date=28 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928162854/http://442.perfil.com/2012-05-24-131197-un-monumento-pirata-para-rodrigo/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2010, on the tenth anniversary of his death, the Buenos Aires Chamber of Deputies declared him as a salient personality of popular culture in the province.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.los40principales.com.ar/especiales/?id=52328|title=Aniversario de la Muerte de Rodrigo Bueno 'El potro'|language=es|trans-title=Anniversary of Rodrigo 'El Potro' Bueno's death|work=40 principales|publisher=GLR Grupo Latino de Radio|date=24 March 2010|access-date=25 August 2014|archive-date=24 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824215820/http://www.los40principales.com.ar/especiales/?id=52328|url-status=live}}</ref> Bueno was the subject of tributes on Argentine television, including one from the show ''Gracias por Venir'', which was attended by some of his relatives and close friends.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cadena3.com/contenido/2012/05/20/97247.asp|title=Emotivo homenaje a Rodrigo "El Potro", en "Gracias por Venir"|trans-title=Emotional tribute to "The Colt" Rodrigo in ''Gracias Por Venir''|date=20 May 2012|access-date=1 April 2013|work=Cadena 3|publisher=Cadena 3 Argentina|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927183147/http://www.cadena3.com/contenido/2012/05/20/97247.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>
A tribute concert was performed on 16 January 2013, during the opening of the first ''Cuarteto Carnival'', based on the Bahian Carnival.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cadena3.com/contenido/2013/01/04/108086.asp|title=Como en Bahía, Córdoba tendrá su carnaval cuartetero|language=es|trans-title=Like Bahía, Córdoba will have its cuartetero carnival|author=Carpio, Andrés|work=Cadena 3|publisher=Cadena 3 Argentina|date=5 January 2013|access-date=9 January 2013|archive-date=7 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107235617/http://www.cadena3.com/contenido/2013/01/04/108086.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> During the Newsstand Day (''Día del Canillita'') celebrations, Governor of Córdoba José Manuel de la Sota announced his plans to commission a statue of Bueno.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lavoz.com.ar/ciudadanos/monumento-para-rodrigo|title=Un monumento para Rodrigo|language=es|trans-title=A monument for Rodrigo|work=La Voz del Interior|publisher=lavoz.com.ar|date=8 November 2012|access-date=13 January 2013|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927100154/http://www.lavoz.com.ar/ciudadanos/monumento-para-rodrigo|url-status=live}}</ref> It was placed on the Buen Pastor esplanade, and unveiled prior to the ''Cuarteto Carnival'' tribute concert.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://vos.lavoz.com.ar/bailes-cuarteto/inauguran-estatua-rodrigo-bueno-buen-pastor|title=Inauguran estatua de Rodrigo Bueno en el Buen Pastor|language=es|trans-title=Rodrigo Bueno's statue unveiled at the Buen Pastor|work=La Voz del Interior|publisher=lavoz.com.ar|date=16 January 2013|access-date=20 January 2013|archive-date=19 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119050236/http://vos.lavoz.com.ar/bailes-cuarteto/inauguran-estatua-rodrigo-bueno-buen-pastor|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, another statue was erected to commemorate the fourteenth anniversary of Bueno's death. The bronx-made sculpture was financed by the City of Buenos Aires, and placed in front of the disco ''Fantastico Bailable'', in the Once neighborhood.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ciudad.com.ar/espectaculos/119612/homenaje-rodrigo-14-anos-muerte-estatua-conmovedoras-palabras-mama-hijo|title=El homenaje a Rodrigo a 14 años de su muerte: estatua y conmovedoras palabras de su mamá y su hijo|trans-title=Tribute to Rodrigo after fourteen years of his death: statue and touching words by his mother and his son|work=Ciudad|publisher=Compañía de Medios Digitales S.A.|date=24 June 2014|access-date=28 June 2014|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107235244/https://www.ciudad.com.ar/espectaculos/119612/homenaje-rodrigo-14-anos-muerte-estatua-conmovedoras-palabras-mama-hijo|url-status=live}}</ref> The ceremony was conducted by Bueno's friend and television host Daniel "Tota" Santillan. The attendance included Deputy Mayor María Eugenia Vidal and Cabinet Chief Horacio Rodríguez Larreta; Bueno's family, business associates and his fans.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.infobae.com/2014/06/24/1575642-el-llanto-desgarrador-la-mama-rodrigo-al-ver-su-estatua|title=El llanto desgarrador de la mamá de Rodrigo al ver su estatua|trans-title=The shattering cry of Rodrigo's mother after seeing his statue|work=Infobae|publisher=THX Medios SA|date=24 June 2014|access-date=28 June 2014|archive-date=28 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628053952/http://www.infobae.com/2014/06/24/1575642-el-llanto-desgarrador-la-mama-rodrigo-al-ver-su-estatua|url-status=live}}</ref>
A villa miseria in Buenos Aires' Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve was named after him.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://24con.infonews.com/conurbano/nota/33340-La-villa-del-Potro-Rodrigo-copa-Puerto-Madero/|title=La villa del Potro Rodrigo copa Puerto Madero|language=es|trans-title=The colt's villa takes Puerto Madero|work=24Con|publisher=24CON Conurbano On Line S.A.|date=24 April 2012|access-date=9 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928024432/http://24con.infonews.com/conurbano/nota/33340-La-villa-del-Potro-Rodrigo-copa-Puerto-Madero/|archive-date=28 September 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> In January 2015 a new Rodrigo statue was unveiled. Located at the entrance of El Corralón restaurant, the figure featured the singer dressed with the boxer outfit he wore during his Luna Park performances.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pronto.com.ar/articulo/famosos/homenaje-mas-merecido-potro-rodrigo/20141211003033159089.html|title=Un homenaje más que merecido a El Potro Rodrigo|trans-title=A More Than Deserved Homage to Rodrigo 'the colt'|work=Pronto|publisher=Magallanes Media|date=4 January 2015|access-date=5 January 2015|archive-date=5 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105014311/http://www.pronto.com.ar/articulo/famosos/homenaje-mas-merecido-potro-rodrigo/20141211003033159089.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2018, the biography film of Bueno, ''El Potro. Lo mejor del amor'', directed and co-written by Lorena Muñoz, was released to mixed reviews.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tn.com.ar/show/basicas/lo-mejor-del-amor-resena-del-estreno-argentino-de-la-semana_902987|title=''El Potro. Lo mejor del amor'', el esperado estreno de la película de Rodrigo|language=es|trans-title=''The Colt, the best of love'' the long-awaited premiere of Rodrigo's movie|work=Todo Noticias|publisher=Grupo Clarín|date=24 October 2018|access-date=9 October 2018|archive-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010011229/https://tn.com.ar/show/basicas/lo-mejor-del-amor-resena-del-estreno-argentino-de-la-semana_902987|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film163823.html|title=El Potro. Lo mejor del amor|language=es|trans-title=The Colt, the best of Love|work=Film Affinity Spain|publisher=Filmaffinity S.L.|access-date=9 October 2018|archive-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010011343/https://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film163823.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Bueno's son, Ramiro gave the rights to make the movie and collaborated with director Muñoz to write the script, which was criticized by some family members including Bueno's mother, Beatriz Olave and brother Ulises Bueno for failing to tell his story as it really was.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tn.com.ar/show/basicas/el-hijo-de-rodrigo-bueno-salio-al-cruce-por-las-criticas-la-pelicula-de-el-potro_902336|title=El hijo de Rodrigo salió al cruce a las críticas a la película de El Potro|language=es|trans-title=Rodrigo's son defends the Colt's movie amid critics|work=Todo Noticias|publisher=Grupo Clarín|date=3 October 2018|access-date=9 October 2018|archive-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010011044/https://tn.com.ar/show/basicas/el-hijo-de-rodrigo-bueno-salio-al-cruce-por-las-criticas-la-pelicula-de-el-potro_902336|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.infobae.com/teleshow/paso-en-la-tv/2018/10/08/ulises-bueno-rompio-el-silencio-y-hablo-de-el-potro-los-puntos-que-no-le-gustaron-de-la-pelicula-sobre-rodrigo/|title=Ulises Bueno rompe el silencio y habló de ''El Potro'': los puntos que no le gustaron de la película de Rodrigo|language=es|trans-title=Ulises Bueno breaks the silence and criticized ''The Colt, the best of Love''|work=Infobae|publisher=AMDIA|date=8 October 2018|access-date=9 October 2018|archive-date=9 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009121844/https://www.infobae.com/teleshow/paso-en-la-tv/2018/10/08/ulises-bueno-rompio-el-silencio-y-hablo-de-el-potro-los-puntos-que-no-le-gustaron-de-la-pelicula-sobre-rodrigo/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Music style and image== {{Quote box |quoted=true |bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center|quote=I don't think I'm a good singer, but I tell stories. I want to leave a message, to transmit the people's testimony for their stories to be heard.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lr21.com.uy/cultura/47244-la-despedida-de-el-potro|title=La despedida de "El Potro"|language=es|trans-title=The farewell of ''the Colt''|date=June 24, 2001|work=La Red21|publisher=La Red21.com.uy|access-date=March 22, 2013|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054201/http://www.lr21.com.uy/cultura/47244-la-despedida-de-el-potro|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tucumanalas7.com.ar/nota.php?id=37398|title=Homenage a Rodrigo|language=es|trans-title=Tribute to Rodrigo|date=24 June 2011|work=Tucumán a las 7|publisher=Tucumán a las 7.com.ar|access-date=22 March 2013|archive-date=13 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313125735/http://tucumanalas7.com.ar/nota.php?id=37398|url-status=live}}</ref>|source=Rodrigo Bueno, 2000|align=right|width=29%}} Bueno's band was a typical cuarteto band, composed of fourteen musicians. Percussion predominated, with a main drummer and additional timbales, complemented by an accordion and an electric organ. The vocal part of the band featured a male quartet as a chorus.<ref name="Veintidos"/>
Characterized by his "raspy and strong" voice and charismatic on-stage performances, Bueno became an instant success on the Argentine musical scene.<ref name="ti">{{cite journal|journal=Para Tí|year=2000|pages=88–90|title=Si Tengo que quedarme sin nada, no importa|language=es|trans-title=If I have to be broke, I don't care|number=4075|publisher=Atlántida Digital}}</ref> His image differed from that of other tropical music bands that wore bright colors and had long, curly hair. Bueno's hair was short, dyed usually in blue, turquoise, red or violet. He wore fitted shirts with jeans and cowboy boots.<ref name="Veintidos"/> He was known for his mixture of facial gestures and poses that accompanied his bravado image.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.argentinaindependent.com/tag/cuarteto/|title=Music for the Weekend: 'El Potro' Rodrigo|date=12 June 2012|access-date=9 January 2012|work=The Argentina Independent|publisher=Argentinaindependent.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001104007/http://www.argentinaindependent.com/tag/cuarteto/|archive-date=1 October 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Bueno was heavily involved with the creative process of his act. He produced his own records, wrote his own songs and designed the visuals for his shows, including the looks of the stage and graphic campaigns, such as flyers and posters.<ref name="CMTVinterview">{{cite interview|title=Rodrigo|url=http://www.cmtv.com.ar/videos/show.php?bnid=258&banda=Rodrigo&video=Entrevista&VDID=3221|publisher=Canal Musical Televisión|work=Canal Musical|date=January 2000|access-date=11 January 2013|archive-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054008/http://www.cmtv.com.ar/videos/show.php?bnid=258&banda=Rodrigo&video=Entrevista&VDID=3221|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Personal life== Bueno was married twice and had two children. In 1992, he married Mariana Marcone of Uruguay; they had a daughter the next year.<ref name="cmtv"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.terra.com.ar/canales/default/7/7434.html|title=Se confirmó el parentesco de Rodrigo y su hijo|trans-title=Rodrigo's paternity was confirmed|language=es|work=Terra Música|publisher=Terra Networks, S.A|access-date=7 April 2012|date=16 November 2000}}</ref> The marriage lasted only a couple of months after the birth. His son Ramiro was born in 1997 during his brief second marriage to Patricia Pacheco.<ref name=son/> Bueno's cousin, Juan Carlos Olave, is a professional footballer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gente.com.ar/actualidad/a-rodrigo-lo-llevo-en-el-corazon/1426.html|title=A Rodrigo lo llevo en el corazón|trans-title=I carry Rodrigo in my heart|publisher=Gente|language=es|date=25 September 2001|access-date=28 November 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208100436/http://www.gente.com.ar/actualidad/a-rodrigo-lo-llevo-en-el-corazon/1426.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Discography== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Album ! Chart peak position (CAPIF top albums)<ref>Due to the inconsistency of CAPIF charts until 2000, only known chart rankings are noted. ({{cite magazine|title=Argentina Returns to hits of the World|magazine=Billboard| date=20 January 2000|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=sA0EAAAAMBAJ&dq=billboard%202000%20%22argentina%22&pg=PA67 67], [https://books.google.com/books?id=sA0EAAAAMBAJ&dq=billboard+2000+%22argentina%22&pg=PA121 121]|publisher= Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|volume=112|number=4|issn= 0006-2510}})</ref> ! Label |- | 1990 | ''La Foto de tu Cuerpo'' | style="text-align:center;"| – | Polygram Records |- | 1991 | ''Aprendiendo a Vivir'' | style="text-align:center;"| – | Polygram Records |- | 1992 | ''Muy Bueno'' | style="text-align:center;"| 5<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UqcwAAAAYAAJ&q=%22muy+bueno%22+rodrigo|title=Música – Ranking|trans-title=Music – Ranking|language=es|journal=Noticias|publisher=Editorial Perfil|year=1991|issue=771–778|page=19|access-date=3 December 2020|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107235226/https://books.google.com/books?id=UqcwAAAAYAAJ&q=%22muy+bueno%22+rodrigo|url-status=live}}</ref> | Polygram Records |- | rowspan="2"| 1993 | ''Made in Argentina'' | style="text-align:center;"| – | Polygram Records |- | ''Made in Córdoba'' | style="text-align:center;"| – | Polygram Records |- | 1994 | ''Completamente Enamorado'' | style="text-align:center;"| – | Polygram Records |- | 1995 | ''Sabroso'' | style="text-align:center;"| – | Sony Music |- | 1996 | ''Lo Mejor del Amor'' | style="text-align:center;"| – | Magenta Records |- | 1997 | ''La Leyenda Continúa'' | style="text-align:center;"| 6<ref name="Veintidos"/> | Magenta Records |- | 1998 | ''Cuarteteando'' | style="text-align:center;"| 4<ref name="Veintidos"/> | Magenta Records |- | rowspan="2"| 1999 | ''El Potro'' | style="text-align:center;"| – | Magenta Records |- | ''A 2000'' | style="text-align:center;"| 1<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WQ8EAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard%202000%20%22argentina%22&pg=PA65|magazine=Billboard|title=Hits of the World|date=27 May 2000|page=65|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|volume=112|number=22|issn=0006-2510|access-date=9 January 2013|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107235226/https://books.google.com/books?id=WQ8EAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+2000+%22argentina%22&pg=PA65|url-status=live}}</ref> | Magenta Records |- | rowspan="2"| 2000 | ''La Mano de Dios'' | style="text-align:center;"| 1<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Billboard|title=Hits of the World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fBEEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+%22rodrigo%22&pg=PA59|page=59|date=2 September 2000|access-date=9 January 2013|volume=112|number=36|issn=0006-2510|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107235226/https://books.google.com/books?id=fBEEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+%22rodrigo%22&pg=PA59|url-status=live}}</ref> | Magenta Records |- | ''Derroche'' | style="text-align:center;"| – | Magenta Records |- |}
==Music videos== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Video ! Album release |- | 1991 | "La Chica del Ascensor" | ''Muy Bueno'' |- | 1992 | "Completamente Enamorado" | ''Completamente Enamorado'' |- | 1995 | "De Enero a Enero" | ''Sabroso'' |- | 1996 | "El Himno del Cucumelo" | ''Lo Mejor del Amor'' |- |rowspan=2|2000 | "Derroche" (posthumous) | ''Derroche'' |- | "La Mano de Dios" (posthumous) | ''La Mano de Dios'' |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Rodrigo Bueno}} *[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/712809/Rodrigo-Alejandro-Bueno Rodrigo] at the Encyclopædia Britannica. *{{IMDb name|0734987|Rodrigo}} *{{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20001018015013/http://www.elpotrorodrigo.com/}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20001018080106/http://www.elpotrorodrigo.com/menu1.html Page 1] [https://web.archive.org/web/20001018080106/http://www.elpotrorodrigo.com/menu2.html 2] [https://web.archive.org/web/20001018080106/http://www.elpotrorodrigo.com/menu3.html 3] [https://web.archive.org/web/20001018080106/http://www.elpotrorodrigo.com/menu4.html 4] – Archival pages of the defunct official site of Rodrigo of 18 October 2000. *{{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20000818022320/http://www.elpotrorodrigo.com/}} – Archival version of Rodrigo's website, displaying the commemorative quote published on the page after his death. <!-- Don't sort by surname; people know him mainly as "Rodrigo", at least not in the Argentine categories. -->
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Rodrigo}} Category:1973 births Category:2000 deaths Category:Musicians from Córdoba, Argentina Category:20th-century Argentine male singers Category:Cuarteto musicians Category:Salsa musicians Category:Merengue musicians Category:Road incident deaths in Argentina Category:Spanish-language Argentine singers