Chavela Vargas

The time has come for another post on a classic but oft unappreciated artist-the magnificent Chavela Vargas!!

Official Website: http://www.chavelavargas.com.mx/


Born in Costa Rica but raised in Mexico, Ms. Vargas is known not only as a unique singer, but also as a Revolutionary. Vargas' sexuality is not a question as in her youth she would wear men's clothing, drink like a fish, smoke cigars regularly, carry a gun-and, because she openly admitted to being a lesbian at the age of 81. She was born on April 17, 1919, and specialized in the traditional Mexican genre rancheras. Popular in the '50s and '60s, Vargas traveled and performed frequently in Mexico, the United States, Spain, and France. With the aid of Jose Alfredo Jimenez, she released her first album in 1961 at the age of 42.

Chavela (a nickname for Isabella) was known to travel amongst the intellectual and artistic circles of the time, and she was acquainted with Juan Rulfo, Dolores Omedo, Diego Rivera, and Frido Kahlo-whom she was rumored to have had an affair with, in her youth.

Chavela Vargas' music is most identifiable by her gravelly, emotional voice. Sometimes as quiet as a rough whisper, at other times raised in triumphant shout, Vargas possesses the ability to capture attention with the underlying and ever-present passion that marks every song. Often her voice will verge on the crest of a heart-wrenching half-sob, and while I do not speak or understand Spanish, I understand the pain and emotion in Vargas' voice.

To date, Chavela has released over eighty albums. She partially retired in the '70s due to her battle with alcoholism, but returned and performed in 1991 in "El Habito" (in Mexico City). She performed again in 2003 in Carnegie Hall.

Listen to her music and be entranced. Allow yourself to leave your body and follow her voice down a dirt road in romantic yet tragic Mexico. Feel the warm air caress your face. Feel the pain of the world, and meet the paradox with humility. The voice of Chavela Vargas is ancient, wise, damning-hear it, feel it, repent.