Silvestre Vargas (December 31, 1901 – October 7, 1985) was a renowned Mexican violinist, composer, and bandleader who helped transform traditional mariachi music into a world-famous art form. Born in Tecalitlán, Jalisco, Mexico, he was the son of Gaspar Vargas, who founded the original Mariachi Vargas in 1898. He took over leadership of the group in 1928 and served as its director from 1931 to 1955 (performing with them through 1975). Under his direction, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán recorded extensively and appeared in over 200 films during the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, backing icons like Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete. He is remembered as a central figure in modernizing mariachi. A dedicated museum opened in Jalisco in his honor, and the state's highest mariachi recognition is named after him.
