Piero, Argentine singer-songwriter of 'Mi Viejo,' dies at 81

Piero, the Argentine singer-songwriter known for “Mi Viejo,” has died at age 81.

His death on Wednesday, October 7 was confirmed on his social media accounts, according to Billboard. Argentine outlet Infobae also reported his death at 81 on October 7.

Piero was born Piero Antonio Franco De Benedictis in Gallipoli, Italy. He built his career in Argentina, where he became known as a singer-songwriter working in Spanish-language popular song.

His debut album was titled Mi Viejo (My Old Man) and included the song of the same name. The song was written by Piero with Jose Tcherkaski. It became his signature recording.

In the 1970s, Piero lived abroad in Spain and Colombia after fearing for his life during the military regime in Argentina. He returned to Argentina in 1981.

In 2016, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy, the organisation behind the Latin Grammys. His music was recently used for an Yves Saint Laurent fashion show.