Tony Croatto

Their mother, who frowned upon the idea of Nelly touring solo at the age of 15, would only allow her to sing in public with her brothers in a group, as a back-up plan.

They were part of the first broadcast of the country's television station, Canal 9; their personal appearances were solidly attended, and their popularity ensured the success of a media campaign they did for the Argentinian brewer, Cerveza Quilmes.

TVE toned down their normally dynamic act for the contest, in which they sang what was originally a slow ballad, "Caracola" (written by Spanish songwriter Fina de Calderón).

They moved back to Argentina in 1965, only for Tim to eventually leave the group the following year; he returned to his native Italy to become a concert promoter.

Croatto formed the nueva trova musical group, Haciendo Punto en Otro Son, particularly famous for its protest songs.

Croatto was instrumental in both the musical and technical aspects of the group, not only as singer, guitarist and keyboardist, but also as arranger, producer and studio technician.

His co-hosts were comedian Luis Antonio Rivera "Yoyo Boing", Miss Universe 1985 Deborah Carthy Deu and María Falcón.

The program's concept involved traveling to a different municipality of Puerto Rico every week and highlighting all cultural aspects found in each town.

He made also an adaptation of "El Cocuy Que Alumbra" from the Venezuelan parranda band Un Solo Pueblo, which was renamed "A Correr Sabana" once set to new lyrics written by salsa composer Tite Curet Alonso.

Croatto recorded musical versions of poems and lullabies written by Georgina Lázaro, a Puerto Rican poet whose works were mostly intended for children.

Croatto eventually divorced Glorivee and his third marriage was to Lillian Arroyo; they both moved to Carolina, Puerto Rico where they spent his later years.

Croatto dictated a letter that was published in local papers to publicly notify his illness and expressing gratitude to the people of Puerto Rico who adopted him as son and patriot.

His fellow former Haciendo Punto bandmates had staged a benefit concert for him the night prior, which was filmed for home video release.

It features archival footage of Croatto and interviews with his children, Hermes, Mara and Alejandro, Chucho Avellanet, Alfred D. Herger and Silverio Pérez.

Tony (below) with his siblings Nelly (upper middle) and Tim (upper right) as Los TNT , pictured in 1960