Louis Armstrong “Kiss of Fire” is a remake of “El Choclo” (translates as “The Corn Cob”), one of the most popular Argentine tango after “La Cumparsita”, composed by Angel Villoldo (1861-1919). So popular that at least on one occasion, and it was during the World War I, “El Choclo” was confused with the Argentinian anthem, and played where the anthem was due.
Indeed, “El Choclo” forms the music for so many vocal version with different lyrics that it is simply difficult to list them all.
Music icon Louis Armstrong is one of the most important—if not the most important—figures in American music history. He was a great jazz soloist who made the improvising soloist the focal point of the performance. Armstrong’s influence extended far beyond jazz to reach tango with “Kiss of Fire” song. He wants people to know that tango is more than a dance, and that anyone can appreciate the tango.
Angel Villoldo: El Choclo
Angel Villoldo introduced tango to Paris in 1907, but people considered it an indecent entertainment, so the status of tango was rather low. when he wanted to publish his newly composed tango “El Choclo”, his friend, Jose Luis Roncallo, a conductor of a classical orchestra advised him to hide that it is a tango and announced it as a creole dance.
And so, the high society was applauding to his composition, not having a slightest suspicion that they are endorsing the first page of history that will soon develop into thousands of lawful descendants of “El Choclo”. However, Villoldo dedicated this tango to Roncallo.
There are some interesting theories as to the origins of its title. One theory says : “El Choclo” was the nickname of a street pimp, who worked in Buenos Aires , and who got that nickname from the color of his hair.
Other sources relate the title to the popular Argentine stew called Carbonada Criolla, which contains large chunks of whole corn.
* Also discover Café 1930 – violin and guitar tango composed by one of the most notable tango composers Astor Piazzolla.
Louis Armstrong: Kiss of Fire Lyrics:
I touch your lips and all at once the sparks go flying
Those devil lips that know so well the art of lying
And though I see the danger, still the flames grow higher
I know I must surrender to your kiss of fire
Just like a torch, you set the soul within me burning
I must go on along the road, no returning
And though it burns me and it turns me into ashes
My whole world crashes without your kiss of fire
I can’t resist you, what good is there in trying
What good is there denying, you’re all that I desire
Since first I kissed you, my heart was yours completely
If I’m a slave, then it’s a slave I want to be
Don’t pity me, don’t pity me
Give me your lips, the lips you only let me borrow
Love me tonight, devil take tomorrow
I know that I must have your kiss although it dooms me
And though it consumes me, your kiss of fire
I can’t resist you, what good is there in trying
What good is there denying, you’re all that I desire
Since first I kissed you my heart was yours completely
If I’m a slave, then it’s a slave I want to be
Don’t pity me, don’t pity me
Give me your lips, the lips you only let me borrow
Love me tonight and let the devil take tomorrow
I know that I must have your kiss although it dooms me
Though it consumes me, the kiss of fire
Aah, burn me
