The owner of a deep contralto Mercedes Sosa is known as the voice of Latin America. It enjoyed huge popularity in the 1960s of the last century as part of the nueva canción (new song) direction.
Mercedes began her career at the age of 15, performing folklore compositions and songs by contemporary authors. Some authors, such as the Chilean singer Violetta Parra, created their works especially for Mercedes.
The voice of this amazing girl was recognizable far beyond the borders of her homeland, her extraordinary and colorful appearance has become a symbol of the freedom of Latin America.
In the musical compositions of the singer, one can hear not only the rhythms of the Indians of Latin America, but also Cuban and Brazilian within the direction.
Youth Mercedes Sosa
Mercedes was born on July 9, 1935 in northwestern Argentina. The family was poor and often needed the bare necessities. The born daughter of the Aymara Indian tribe absorbed the rhythms and rich flavor of her people.
However, not only the blood of South American Indians flows in the blood of a talented Argentine singer, but French, Italian and Spanish immigrants also left their genetic code.
From an early age, the girl showed interest in music, song and dance. At the age of 15, Sosa entered a music competition organized by a local radio station.
After winning the prize, she signed a two-month work contract as a folksinger. Now all of Argentina could hear her amazing voice.
Soon the girl was invited to take part in the National Folklore Festival, which was evidence of her incredible success.
Just at that time, interest in folk music arose in Argentina, and Mercedes gained popularity precisely as a performer of folklore compositions.
In 1959, Mercedes recorded her first album, La Voz De La Zafra.
Emigration Mercedes Sosa to Europe
After the military coup of the Videla junta (1976), Mercedes began to be persecuted for her political opinions, even arrested at one of her concerts.
In 1980, the singer had to emigrate to Europe, where she spent two years. The military regime that the junta established in the country did not give any opportunity to hold concerts and sing about justice.
Since the singer openly called the actions of the new government a "dirty war", she immediately became disgraced. It was possible to release Mercedes from custody only thanks to the petition of international organizations.
Since the singer's voice expressed the despair of ordinary people, the junta tried to silence her. But in exile, the singer continued to sing about her country, and millions of people around the world heard her.
In Europe, Mercedes met outstanding musicians and singers of various styles - opera singer Luciano Pavarotti, Cuban performer Silvio Rodriguez, Italian classical and popular music performer Andrea Bocelli, Colombian singer Shakira and other outstanding personalities.
Mercedes toured a lot in different countries, performed together with famous and popular performers. Her songs expressed the thoughts of the people oppressed by the junta, deprived of all human rights.
Mercedes entered the history of musical culture as the founder of the nueva canción movement.
Mercedes returned to her homeland in 1982 (after the overthrow of the Videla junta), immediately organized several concerts.
The singer performed at the capital's opera house, recorded a new (next) music album. Her CDs sold out in huge numbers and became bestsellers.
Return of Mercedes
After returning from exile to her homeland, Mercedes became the idol of her people, especially young people. The words of her songs resonated in every heart - she knew how to attract people to her with sincerity and incredible charisma.
When Sosa returned to her homeland, there was a new wave of her popularity - a new round of fame. During the forced emigration, the whole world learned about this amazing performer of folklore.
The beauty of the singer's voice was appreciated and called one of the best in the world. The charisma and talent of the singer allowed her to collaborate with musicians of different styles, which constantly enriched her repertoire with new motives and rhythms.
The singer also introduced musicians from different countries to the traditions and characteristics of the Argentine musical culture.
The new style of the singer
In the 1960s, Mercedes and her first husband, Matus Manuel, pioneered the new musical direction nueva cancion.
The musicians in their songs shared the experiences and joys of ordinary Argentine workers, told about their innermost dreams and troubles.
In 1976, the singer made a tour of the cities of Europe and America, which was very successful. This trip and communication with new people enriched the artist's musical baggage, filled her with new motives and rhythms.
The creative activity of the Argentine singer lasted almost 40 years, Sosa devoted all her best years of her life to music and song. Her creative baggage contains 40 albums, most of which were bestsellers.
The most popular of her songs is beautifully called Gracias a la Vida ("Thanks to Life"), which was written for her by the Chilean singer and composer Violetta Parra. The contribution to the development of music of this amazing woman cannot be overestimated.
