Biography
David Arugete (3 April 1921 – 1 December 1968), better known by his stage name Darío Moreno, was a Turkish-Jewish polyglot singer, gifted composer, lyricist, and guitarist. He gained fame and built a notable career based in France during the 1950s and 1960s, which also included work in film. His 1961 song "Brigitte Bardot" brought him widespread recognition.
Born into a large Jewish family, Darío Moreno was orphaned at a young age when his father, who worked at a train station in Aydın, was tragically shot. His mother placed him in the Sephardic orphanage in Izmir (Nido De Guerfanos), where he stayed until he was four years old.
After receiving primary education at Jewish schools in Izmir, he took on various odd jobs in his youth. He dedicated himself to continuing his education while working to support himself. Beginning as an errand boy at a law firm belonging to prominent local lawyers, he eventually trained to become a clerk there. In the evenings, he studied French at Izmir's Central Library. By chance, he acquired a guitar and taught himself to play, with occasional guidance from acquaintances.
Moreno began singing at Bar Mitzvah celebrations as a secondary job. By his early twenties, he was already a popular singer in Izmir, especially within the Jewish community. During his military service in the Turkish Army, he performed as a singer in officers' quarters at various garrisons, further concentrating on music. His first professional musical engagement took place in his hometown shortly after his discharge, arranged through contacts made during his service. Once he started earning money from music, he moved to the more affluent Jewish neighborhood of Karataş, settling on a street leading to the historic Asansör building, a city landmark known for its elevator connecting the lower and upper parts of the quarter separated by a steep coastal slope. In his honor, this street is now named Dario Moreno Sokağı (Dario Moreno Street).
Known for his energetic personality, Darío Moreno died of a heart attack following an argument with airport gate staff at Atatürk Airport. He was slightly late for a flight to Paris for a concert and planned to attend the inaugural "Turkish Night" event there. Denied boarding by the staff, a heated dispute ensued, which triggered his fatal heart attack. He was 47 years old. Although his will requested burial in İzmir, Turkey, his mother, Madam Roza, had him interred in Holon, Israel.
