Mercedes Sosa Argentine folk singer Date of Birth: 09.07.1939 Country: Argentina

1. Biography of Mercedes Sosa
2. International Recognition
3. Global Performances
4. Music Career and Awards
5. Early Life and Talent
6. 'Nueva Canción' Movement
7. International Success
8. Collaborations and Political Struggles
9. Return to Argentina and Legacy
10. Legacy and Passing

Biography of Mercedes Sosa

Mercedes Sosa, also known as "La Negra," was a renowned Argentine folk singer. She was born on July 9, 1939, in San Miguel de Tucumán, the largest city in northwestern Argentina.

International Recognition

Sosa gained popularity and love from audiences worldwide. Her music was a fusion of traditional national style, Brazilian, and Cuban motifs. Her songs became the "voice of the voiceless." She is recognized as the founder of the "nueva canción" style.

Global Performances

Sosa performed in numerous prestigious venues, such as the Lincoln Center in New York and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Tickets to her shows sold out rapidly, highlighting her immense popularity.

Music Career and Awards

Sosa's musical career spanned almost four decades. She received several prestigious awards, including multiple Grammys. Unfortunately, she was unable to personally accept her Grammy award for her contributions to the development of music as she passed away on October 4, 2009. This award became a symbol of her everlasting legacy in the history of global music culture.

Early Life and Talent

From a young age, Mercedes loved to sing. At the age of 15, she won a local vocal competition organized by a radio station, which led to a two-month contract to perform. During this time, Sosa recorded her first studio album, "La Voz de la Zafra," in 1959. She participated in the National Folk Festival, where she captivated the audience, gaining significant attention from local residents.

'Nueva Canción' Movement

Sosa and her first husband, Manuel Oscar Matus, became prominent figures of the "nueva canción" movement in the 1960s. During this period, Sosa released an album consisting of a collection of Argentine folk songs.

International Success

In 1967, Sosa embarked on a tour across the United States and European countries, which garnered tremendous success. This tour introduced her to new musical styles that expanded the horizons for her listeners.

Collaborations and Political Struggles

In the early 1970s, Sosa released two more solo albums in collaboration with composer Ariel Ramírez and poet Félix Luna. She also performed compositions dedicated to poets from Cuba and Brazil, further enhancing their popularity.

Following the rise of Jorge Videla's regime in Argentina, the country's government became increasingly repressive. Sosa faced multiple arrests, including one that occurred during a concert. Her release was only possible due to international intervention. As a result of the ban on her performances in Argentina, Sosa toured Europe.

Return to Argentina and Legacy

Sosa's return to Argentina coincided with the fall of the military dictatorship. She subsequently performed a series of major concerts in her homeland. Her song "Balderrama" became the soundtrack for the film "Che," in which Benicio del Toro played the lead role. Sosa's artistic contributions earned her numerous accolades and global recognition.

Legacy and Passing

In September 2009, Sosa was hospitalized due to endocrine and kidney problems. She tragically passed away in the hospital on the morning of October 4. Her death prompted a three-day mourning period in Buenos Aires, honoring her immense impact on Argentine music and culture.