Mercedes Sosa

[lagatta]

Mercedes Sosa, called "La Negra" due to her Amerindian origins, has died in Buenos Aires.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes_Sosa

Even if you don't read Spanish, please look at her official site for the music.

www.mercedessosa.com.ar

En el día de la fecha, en la ciudad de Bs As, Argentina, tenemos que informarle que la señora Mercedes Sosa, la más grande Artista de la Música Popular Latinoamericana, nos ha dejado.

Haydé Mercedes Sosa, nació el día 9 de Julio de 1935 en la ciudad de San Miguel de Tucumán. Con 74 años de edad y una trayectoria de 60 años, Ella transitó diversos países del mundo, compartió escenarios con innumerables y prestigiosos artistas, y dejó además, un enorme legado de grabaciones discográficas.

Su voz llevó siempre un profundo mensaje de compromiso social a través de la música de raíz folklórica, sin prejuicios de sumar otras vertientes y expresiones de calidad musical.

Su talento indiscutible, su honestidad y sus profundas convicciones dejan una enorme herencia para las generaciones futuras. Admirada y respetada en todo el mundo, Mercedes se constituye como un símbolo de nuestro acervo cultural que nos representará por siempre y para siempre.

Quizás, las palabras de su entrañable amiga, Teresa Parodi, resuman el sentimiento de muchos:

“…Mercedes, salmo en los labios
amorosa madre amada
mujer de América herida
tu canción nos pone alas y hace que la patria toda
menudita y desolada no se muera todavía,
no se muera porque siempre cantarás en nuestras almas…”

Sus restos serán velados en el Salón de los Pasos Perdidos, en el Honorable Congreso de la Nación, Avda. Rivadavia 1864 a partir del mediodía de hoy.

Su Familia, allegados y amigos, agradecen profundamente el acompañamiento y el apoyo expresado en estos días.

[bixaorellana]

translation of the obituary:

Today, in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, we must inform you that Mrs. Mercedes Sosa, the great artist of popular Latin American music, has left us.

Haydé Mercedes Sosa was born July 9, 1935 in the city of San Miguel de Tucumán. She was 74 years old, and over a period of 60 years she traveled different countries of the world, shared stages with innumerable and prestigious artists, and left, furthermore, an enormous legacy of recorded music.

Her voice always carried a profound message of social commitment through music with folkloric roots, with no prejudice against adding other aspects and expressions of musical quality.

Her indisputable talent, her honesty and her profound convictions left an enormous heritage for future generations. Admired and respected everywhere, Mercedes constituted a symbol of our cultural heritage which will represent us forever.

Perhaps the words of her bosom friend, Teresa Parodi, sum up the sentiment of many:

“… Mercedes, psalm on the loving lips,
Beloved mother,
Woman of wounded America
Your song gives us wings and ensures that the homeland,
All reduced and desolate, will yet not die.
It will not die because you will always sing in our souls…”

Her remains will be waked in the Salon of The Lost Steps, in the Honorable congreso of the Nation, 1,864 Rivadavia Avenue, beginning at noon today.

Her family, close friends of the family, and friends profoundly appreciate the visits and support expressed at this time.

[Deleted]

The name is famous to me, but I confess that her music does not spontaneously come to mind. However, I will check when I get home from work to see if I knew the music without knowing the name of the artist. (That is very often the case.)

[bixaorellana]

During the struggles of 2006 in Oaxaca, I became acquainted with her music, thanks to Radio APPO.

listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Hermano_Dame_Tu_Mano/368292

In a completely different mode, "The Bridge of Sighs" ~
listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/El_Puente_De_Los_Suspiros/483161

And perhaps a fitting corrollary to her obituary, "I Was Born to Sing":
listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Para_Cantar_He_Nacido/483148

[Deleted]

Thank you for this. There was a woman who worked in our neighborhood cafe that used to play M. Sosa's music when she worked. I remember it well. Great link, I will bookmark.