Roberto Cantoral was born in the port of Tampico. He moved to Mexico City to attend the university but soon after abandoned his studies and began to pursue his career as a musician.
His songs have been recorded by such artists as Vikki Carr, Jose Feliciano, Vicente Fernandez, Jose Jose, Luis Miguel, Javier Solis, and many others.
His most famous compositions include Al Final, Demasiado Tarde, El Reloj, El Triste, La Barca, Noche No Te Vayas.