Chavela Vargas

Date of Birth: April 17, 1919

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: August 5, 2012

Biography

Chavela Vargas, born Isabel Vargas Lizano, was a legendary Costa Rican-born Mexican singer who became an icon of Latin American music. Known for her unique voice and passionate performances, she played a significant role in the popularization of rancheras, a traditional Mexican genre. Born on April 17, 1919, in San Joaquín de Flores, Costa Rica, Vargas moved to Mexico in her early teens. She began her music career in earnest in the 1950s, achieving fame for her emotionally raw renditions of rancheras and boleros. Despite facing societal discrimination due to her sexuality and non-conformist lifestyle, she became a beloved figure in Mexican culture. Vargas was known for her deep, raspy voice and her ability to convey profound emotion through her music. She often performed songs that spoke of heartbreak, longing, and love, and was a muse to many artists, including Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Vargas came out as a lesbian in her later years, a bold move that further cemented her status as a trailblazer. She passed away on August 5, 2012, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and fans around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Chavela Vargas

1. Chavela Vargas was known for wearing men’s clothing and carrying a pistol, breaking gender norms of her time.

2. She was a close friend and rumored lover of the famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.

3. Vargas did not record her first album until she was 42 years old.

4. She made a significant comeback in the 1990s after being rediscovered by filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, who featured her music in several of his films.

5. Vargas was awarded Spain’s Grand Cross of Isabel the Catholic in 2000 for her contributions to music and culture.