Mercedes Sosa died today at the age of 74. Mercedes was an Argentine singer with a beautiful contralto voice. She was very charismatic and sang many songs that championed social justice in the face of government repression in her home land. At one point, she was banned from Argentina's radio and television stations for her political views. She fled to exile to Europe for several years during that period, unable to earn a living. She eventually returned when the dictatorship collapsed to find a loyal following and dramatically increased popularity. She went on to win numerous Latin Grammy Awards. Mercedes performed in the United States several times and received a 10-minute standing ovation at Carnegie Hall. According to Joan Baez, she was so moved by Mercedes Sosa's voice at a performance that she (Joan) fell to her knees to kiss Mercedes' feet. One of my favorite songs is "Unicornia." I played a CD of a collection of some her favorites from the past 20 years today in her honor. If you have the opportunity, I hope you will give her a listen sometime.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
mercedes sosa
Mercedes Sosa died today at the age of 74. Mercedes was an Argentine singer with a beautiful contralto voice. She was very charismatic and sang many songs that championed social justice in the face of government repression in her home land. At one point, she was banned from Argentina's radio and television stations for her political views. She fled to exile to Europe for several years during that period, unable to earn a living. She eventually returned when the dictatorship collapsed to find a loyal following and dramatically increased popularity. She went on to win numerous Latin Grammy Awards. Mercedes performed in the United States several times and received a 10-minute standing ovation at Carnegie Hall. According to Joan Baez, she was so moved by Mercedes Sosa's voice at a performance that she (Joan) fell to her knees to kiss Mercedes' feet. One of my favorite songs is "Unicornia." I played a CD of a collection of some her favorites from the past 20 years today in her honor. If you have the opportunity, I hope you will give her a listen sometime.
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