Chavela Vargas

Chavela Vargas, born Isabel Vargas Lizano on April 17, 1919 in San Joaquin de Flores, Costa Rica, became one of the most famous singers in the history of Latin American music. Seeking a career in music, she left Costa Rica when she was a teenager and relocated to Mexico, a country with a bigger entertainment industry. She was a street performer for over a decade, not becoming a professional performer until she was in her thirties. Her signature stage wear earned her the nickname The Lady in the Red Poncho. She became known throughout the Spanish-speaking world for her interpretations of ranchera, a musical style that was typically sung by men. She created a signature sound by slowing down the tempos of the songs and bringing drama and humor to the lyrics. Her performances throughout the 40s and 50s grew her reputation internationally, and she hobnobbed with celebrated figures such as Diego Rivera, Juan Ralfo, and Frida Kahlo. She released her first album, Noche de Bohemia, in 1961, and went on to record over 80 albums. A worldwide superstar until alcoholism forced her into retirement in the mid-1970s, she reemerged in the 90s with albums like 1998’s Chavela Vargas and 2004’s La Llorona and resumed her beloved status. She passed away on August 5, 2012 in Cuenavaca, Mexico.

Please enable Javascript to view this page competely.