Javier Vargas was born in Madrid, Spain, shortly after his parents had relocated from Buenos Aires, where they had lived for several years. When he was nine, the family returned to Argentina, and it was there that he first picked up the guitar. During the 1970s, Vargas spent time in Nashville and Los Angeles, playing club gigs and working as a session musician. He crossed paths with artists such as Alvin Lee, Roy Buchanan, and Canned Heat—musicians who both influenced his style and recognized his talent. In the 1980s he moved back to Spain, performing with major bands and orchestras, taking on studio work, writing music, and contributing to various recordings. In 1990 he formed the Vargas Blues Band, a project that often featured notable guest musicians. His second album, released in 1992, included appearances by American blues legends Carey Bell and Louisiana Red. Two years later he collaborated with Flaco Jiménez, Chris Rea, and Junior Wells. His composition “Blues Latino” gained international attention when Carlos Santana recorded it for the 1994 album Santana Brothers. See for more