Haydée Mercedes Sosa, known simply as Mercedes Sosa, was one of the preeminent figures in Argentine folk music. Born in the province of Tucumán on July 9, 1935, her deep, compelling voice and passionate conviction made her the voice of the voiceless throughout Latin America and beyond. Affectionately known as "La Negra" due to her long, jet-black hair, she became a central figure in the Nueva Canción movement, which fused traditional folk music with political zeal, giving birth to songs that became anthems for social and political change throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

Mercedes Sosa's career spanned over five decades, during which she collaborated with a multitude of significant artists and cultivated a repertoire that resonated with the struggles and hopes of her people. She was as much a cultural ambassador for Latin America as she was a critic of its injustices, and her music transcended borders and ideologies. As an icon of protest against dictatorship and oppression, Sosa faced persecution and was forced into exile during the darkest years of Argentina's military dictatorship. Nevertheless, her music retained its power and popularity, and upon her return to Argentina in the 1980s, her status as a national treasure was confirmed. She continued to record and perform until her death on October 4, 2009, leaving behind a rich legacy of advocacy, artistry, and the unyielding belief in the dignity and rights of all people. Her recent releases such as "La Colina de la Vida (Remaster 2023)" and "Mercedes Florecida" serve as testimonies to her enduring influence and the timelessness of her art.

Genres

Cantautor

Folclore Tucumano

Folklore Argentino

Nueva Cancion

Trova

Related Artists

Lila Downs

Atahualpa Yupanqui

Violeta Parra

Victor Jara

Fito Paez

Silvio Rodríguez

Jorge Drexler

Susana Baca

León Gieco

Cesária Evora

Pepe Aguilar

Diego Torres

Latest Release

Mercedes Sosa En Nuestra Casa

Mercedes Sosa

Album - 7 Tracks - Released July 9, 2024