Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona recently left "Pocho," the Mexican taxi driver who inspired his famous song "Historia de Taxi," speechless with a touching gift. Over the years, Pocho has become one of Arjona's closest collaborators.
Returning to the location in Mexico City where they first met more than three decades ago, Arjona presented Pocho with a yellow Volkswagen Beetle adorned with a large red bow. This heartwarming moment was captured in a video shared by the show El Gordo y La Flaca on Instagram.
An Unforgettable Reunion
“Coming back to Mexico is a celebration for us. And to us, you are a celebration,” Arjona told his friend before unveiling the surprise.
During their reunion, Arjona reminisced about how their friendship began. He first met Pocho when he was driving a taxi through the bustling streets of Mexico's capital, a chance encounter that blossomed into a deep personal and professional relationship.
A Journey from Taxi Driver to Stage Designer
As time passed, Pocho transitioned from his role as a taxi driver to become a part of Arjona's team as a set designer, joining him on twelve international tours.
Reflecting on their years together, Arjona initially estimated they had worked on eight tours, but Pocho corrected him: "Twelve tours." The artist, surprised by the number, acknowledged that they had indeed spent much of their lives together.
After sharing a few anecdotes, Arjona directed Pocho's attention to a corner where the yellow car awaited him.
"We wanted to honor you, and this is for you," Arjona announced. With disbelief, Pocho heard the singer assure him, "This is not an act. This is yours, my gift to you."
A Gift of Gratitude
Emotionally moved, Pocho expressed his gratitude to the Guatemalan artist for years of friendship and work. He recalled another instance of Arjona's generosity, saying, "I'm very grateful to you, sir, for all those years of work. I remember when you gave me the stage set; you have no idea how much I got out of it."
The surprise was so overwhelming that Pocho called his son at the end of the video to share the news: "I'll give you the address so you can come, my son, because Ricardo gave me a car."
Arjona shared the footage of their meeting on social media, captioning it, "Another taxi story. Perhaps the most beautiful. Things that happen."
The Legacy of "Historia de Taxi"
Pocho's story is closely tied to one of Arjona's most renowned songs, "Historia de Taxi," which appeared on his 1994 album Historias. The song originated from a request by a Mexican taxi driver for Arjona to create a composition dedicated to those in the profession, as reported by the Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre.
The yellow Volkswagen also became an iconic feature in the stage performances of the song.
This tribute coincides with Arjona's upcoming arrival in Mexico for his tour, Lo que el Seco no dijo, set to kick off in the country on November 7.
FAQs about Ricardo Arjona and "Historia de Taxi"
Who is Pocho in Ricardo Arjona's life?
Pocho is a former Mexican taxi driver who inspired Ricardo Arjona's song "Historia de Taxi." He later became a close collaborator and set designer for the artist, joining him on twelve international tours.
What was the special gift Ricardo Arjona gave to Pocho?
Ricardo Arjona gifted Pocho a yellow Volkswagen Beetle with a big red bow, as a gesture of gratitude and friendship.
What is the significance of the song "Historia de Taxi"?
"Historia de Taxi" is one of Ricardo Arjona's most famous songs, inspired by a Mexican taxi driver's request for a tribute to their profession. It was released on Arjona's 1994 album "Historias."