He was born in Montevideo, Uruguay.

He had two brothers musicians: Ernesto, a bandoneon player like him, and Fioravanti, a pianist, who succeeded in Europe.

At age twelve he started his studies of piano playing and music reading.

He changed the piano for the accordion, an instrument that interested him very much.

Then he traveled to Buenos Aires and bought a bandoneon.

In 1932 began a new stage associated with Francisco Canaro. He went on with this until his retirement.