The singer-songwriter born in Cruz del Eje was recognized for his contributions to the cultural, social and political spheres, as well as for being a fervent defender of democracy.

La Universidad Nacional de Rosario awarded the title Doctor Honoris Causa to Jairo for his career in the field of culture and his permanent commitment to the defense of democracy and human rights.

The act of distinction was held at the University Cultural Space and was broadcast on the official UNR YouTube channel.

The Superior Council unanimously voted for the proposal of the rector Franco Bartolacci to distinguish Mario Rubén González, artistically known as "Jairo", for being "an unavoidable reference of the popular culture of the country and Latin America". Among the main foundations of the resolution are his contributions in the cultural, social and political spheres and his fidelity to his roots that place him as an outstanding musician in a privileged place within Argentine culture.

“The history of an institution has indelible milestones, and I have no doubt that this is one of those outstanding, indelible moments. This formal act seeks to receive him in our body of professors, artistic career but his commitment to democracy, human rights and public liberties that are fundamental principles of this University", said Bartolacci and added: "We need more and better democracy to overcome the injustices we are experiencing. I would like to highlight the good man and his values, a way of thinking, understanding and moving through the world that moves us and challenges and mobilizes us”.

The rector stressed that Jairo's story invites us to break down the walls and fears that bind us to the past, those that prevent us from carrying out dreams and obstruct the hopes of Argentines. "In a world that needs it so much, luckily we are much more than two, and that is also possible because of your voice, that dreamy expression and collective cry, thank you for your troubadour art, welcome to the public university."

During his exile in Spain and later in France, together with other renowned artists such as Mercedes Sosa and Atahualpa Yupanqui, they promoted, through their musical compositions, a testimonial manifesto on the persecution and censorship perpetrated by the dictatorship.

Jairo recalled the feelings he had when he found out that he was going to receive this recognition, classifying them as a mixture of pride and astonishment. "I am grateful for this very important distinction since it is a house of higher studies, public and above all in the city of Rosario, a place that I love very much and to which I have come many times since my adolescence to sing."

The dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Alejandro Vila, and the representative of ICLA, Pedro Romero, also dedicated words to the renowned singer. Meanwhile, the President of the Rosario City Council, María Eugenia Schmuck, gave him a present.

Before ending the act, Jairo sang some of his most recognized and popular songs, highlighting the one he composed with María Elena Walsh: “El valle y el volcán”.

A review of his long career

Mario Rubén González was born on June 16, 1949 in the town of Cruz del Eje, located in Córdoba. In 1970, along with a high school classmate, he distributed a twelve-song demo to various music producers; In this way he managed to record a simple disc with two songs. It was thanks to this that the artist Luis Aguilé sent him a work proposal, for which he signed an agreement and moved to Spain to continue his art.

In 1971 he won the first Critics' Award and the second prize at the Costa del Sol Festival. With the establishment of the dictatorship called the National Reorganization Process in power, he decided to go into exile in Spain and later in France.

He recorded several songs with Astor Piazzolla in 1981, composed particularly for him by Piazzolla himself and by Horacio Ferrer, among which "Milonga del trovador" and "Hay una niña en el alba" stand out.

During his exile in France, he stood out musically, traveling with colleagues such as Mercedes Sosa, Atahualpa Yupanqui and Astor Piazzolla, and has made friends with personalities from other fields such as former soccer player and coach Carlos Bianchi, whom he met while playing for the Paris Saint -Germain, and Diego Armando Maradona.

Towards the end of the civil-military dictatorship, he returned to Argentina and gave a recital on Avenida 9 de Julio, where he performed the Spanish version of María Elena Walsh's song “Venceremos” in front of 1,2 million people.

This year he presented his album "Jairo 50 años de música", with guests of the stature of Pedro Aznar, Juan Carlos Baglietto and Víctor Heredia, Luciano Pereyra, Raly Barrionuevo, Marcela Morelo, Abel Pintos, Lisandro Aristimuño and Nahuel Pennisi.

Journalist: Gonzalo J. García / Photographer: Pablo Correa and Sebastián Suárez Meccia