I was saddened on Sunday to hear the news that singer Chavela Vargas passed away at age 93 in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Though the legendary singer was originally from Costa Rica, she emigrated to Mexico City in her teens and would eventually become known as the queen of Ranchera and a Mexican popular culture icon.
According to her official Facebook page, her last words were "I leave with Mexico in my heart."
I'll never be able to listen to "La Llorona"—or many other songs—without thinking of her. Here are a few of my favorites.
"La Llorona"
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCoV4ObhiuE[/youtube]
"Que Te Vaya Bonito"
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sqz2LwQLIo[/youtube]
"El Último Trago"
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtenL7GCa04[/youtube]
The fan page posted this yesterday:
Estimados amigos de Chavela Vargas:
Les agradecemos sus muestras de amor hacia nuestra querida chamana y su gusto por el gran legado que deja.
Les informamos que seguirá el tributo titulado "LA CHAMANA". El cual consta de tres partes:
1. Disco digital "LA CHAMANA, UN TRIBUTO A CHAVELA VARGAS" para descarga gratuita a partir del 20 DE AGOSTO DEL 2012. Participan mas de 40 artistas de América y Europa. Incluye un tema inédito en la voz de nuestra chamana.
2. Concierto-homenaje póstumo. Presentación del disco digital el 1ro de Septiembre en Tepoztlán, Morelos. Puedes adquirir tus boletos en http://lachamana.chavelavargasoficial.com/tickets
3. Develación del mural "LA CHAMANA" en el emblemático "Salon Tenampa" de Plaza Garibaldi. El mural quedará justo al lado de la pintura del maestro José Alfredo Jiménez. Primeros dias de Septiembre. Estén pendientes.
¡Muchas gracias por todo mundo!, Chavela les amó.
To read more about the life of Chavela Vargas:
- Defiant singer was a cultural force in Mexico — L.A. Times
- Chavela Vargas, legendary Ranchera singer, dies — NPR
- Chavela Vargas, 93, Ranchera Performer — New York Times obituary from Aug. 6, 2012
- What is your favorite Chavela Vargas song?
AutismWonderland says
While I was not familiar with her music, after listening to the videos, it is easy to understand why she is an icon. Her voice evokes such emotion. It is always a sad day when a legend leaves us.
Sujeiry says
I actually remember hearing a song or two of hers while growing up. My mom listens to many genres of music from various countries. A great loss.
Monica says
I'm just always grateful for the gift and the memories that a person like Chavela has given to us all. So talented! Thanks for sharing these videos.
Alba Garza says
Oh wow, another great one leaves her mark on us.
Viviana Hurtado/The Wise Latina Club says
They just don't make them like Chavela anymore, do they?, with a full-throated voice that transcended culture, language, gender, and generation. Thanks for including videos to some of her staples. A great loss.