Legendary Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa, who recorded more than 70 albums and was an outspoken critic of Latin America’s military regimes, died today in Buenos Aires. She was 74.
The three-time Latin Grammy winner was best known for “Gracias a la Vida,” an hymn “to life, that has given me so much,” penned by Chilean Violeta Parra but immortalized the world over by Sosa.
“Mercedes was the biggest voice and had the biggest heart for those who suffer,” Colombian star Shakira said in a statement posted on her Web site yesterday.
“She was the voice of her brothers on Earth and elevated the song of pain and justice.”
Sosa’s last album, “Cantora 1,” which features duets with an A-List of Latin singers, such as Rene Pérez of Calle 13 and Shakira, was nominated two weeks ago for three Latin Grammys, including Album of the Year and Best Folk Album.
“It was an honor to sing with her,” added Shakira.
Affectionately called “La Negra” for her Indian ancestry, Sosa was born on 1935 in the Tucuman province.
By the 1970s she had become one of the top voices of Latin America‘s “nueva canción,” a movement of artists who mixed leftist politics with poetic lyrics.
But her music’s message got her in trouble with Argentina’s Military Junta and in 1979 she was arrested and soon after forced into exile where she remained until 1982.
A regular performer at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center throughout the 1990s, she last played in New York in 2007 at City Center.
“I was born to sing, that’s what I love to do,” she told the Daily News then.
Sosa died at a Buenos Aires hospital where she had checked in with liver problems more than two weeks ago.
The city of Buenos Aires suspended all artistic activities as her remains were laid in state at the National Congress.
Thousands of people, many holding flowers or Argentine flags, lined up to pay their respects.
“She was the best ambassador the country ever had,” said Clara Suarez, 63.
With Wire Services
