Honoring a heroine: Mercedes Sosa by da-AL

Posted on by da-AL

161105msosascreenshotLet me introduce you to Mercedes Sosa, a revered Argentine heroine. She was a political folksinger who few of my friends know about….

When you are in exile, you take your suitcase, but there are things that don’t fit. There are things in your mind, like colors and smells and childhood attitudes, and there is also the pain and the death you saw. Mercedes Sosa, July 9, 1935 –  October 4, 2009

Born on Argentina’s Independence Day, at the age of 15, she won a radio contest for her singing. In the 1960s, she co-founded Argentina’s folk/political Nueva Canción/New Song Movement, for which singers were censored and incarcerated. In 1979, she was arrested while singing at a concert. For the next three years, she was exiled.

Here, with English subtitles, she sings, “Gracias a la Vida/Thanks to Life”…

Read more about Mercedes and see more photos of her here.

Who are some of your favorite heroines?

Published by da-AL

Happiness Between Tails blog/podcast speaks to and from the heart. It connects lovers — of pets, authors, reading — and of my still-unreleased novels. “Flamenco + the Sitting Cat” and “Tango + the Sitting Cat,” are my love letters to all who fear they're too odd, too damaged, too old, too whatever to find love and happiness with or without a partner. HappinessBetweenTails.com • ContactdaAL@gmail.com • BuyMeACoffee.com/SupportHBT

17 thoughts on “Honoring a heroine: Mercedes Sosa by da-AL”

  3. Thank you for introducing me to this artist. I have never heard of her, but her voice and talent are undeniable. She sings passionately and deep from the heart she was very gifted. She is also an admirable woman for standing up for her beliefs even at great personal risk and danger.She could not be stopped. She had to speak and sing.
    She is lucky to have survived such a hostile regime. A contemporary of hers from Chile, Victor Jara, was not so fortunate. He was brutally murdered. They were both true artists and humanitarians, who with their music brought a message and song.
    I am inspired by many women, too many to mention. I will name a few, the first being, one I would consider the first modern liberated women. She lived in Alexandria, in the late 3rd, to early 4th century. As a woman living in a time when women essentially had no rights, she was admired and revered. She was a teacher at the Museum of Alexandria, a part of the Great Library. She was beloved by her male students. She was a philosopher, astronomer, mathematician, and scientist.
    She drew much attention for her position,knowledge, lack of religious belief and views, it being at a time of unrest and violence between the Pagans, Jews and Christians. Although loved by many, she was also despised by the ruling power at the time. She was condemned for defiance of the Church. She was viciously attacked and killed by a mob.
    Kate Chopin, a novelist from the late 19th century American South. She was one of the first women writers to write about subjects that would be considered controversial at the time. Feminism, racism and sexual desire. She spoke of feelings and subjects women at the time could not, but yearned to.
    Dian Fossey an American primatologist, who pioneered research on mountain gorillas. She had a deep and passionate drive for the welfare and protection of them, she attracted much attention and animosity from locals who poached them. She had many flaws, and seemed to have lost herself to deeply in her passion resulting in her murder. Her murderer was never captured, though there are several suspect. Her legacy still survives.
    Jane Goodall another primatologist, specializing in chimpanzees. She also did ground breaking research and studies on them. She is still going strong well into her 80’s promoting and addressing the topics of wildlife conservation and ecology, among other important subjects.
    Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.
    Rachel Carson, biologist naturalist, environmentalist, and author of Silent Spring.
    Marie Curie, Nobel Prize winner twice. Pioneer physicist and chemist. A woman scientist, at a time when there were virtually no others. She earned the respect of her male peers. She died of the long term effects of exposure to radiation.
    Mary Leakey, anthropologist who made many important discoveries on the development of human origins, in East Africa.
    Ann Frank, and the thousands of others some known and others nameless and faceless who with passion devoted their lives and careers, sometimes at great sacrifice in a world that was often hostile or closed to them.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I am so touched that you shared this song and tribute… I am argentine, so I know Mercedes Sosa quite well. She was one of the best folk singers we have ever had … if not the best 🙂
    One of my favourites songs by her is “Alfonsina y el mar” (Written by Ariel Ramírez).
    You can check out the song, lyrics in english and story of the song in this post: http://www.seashellsandsunflowers.com/2011/10/alfonsina-and-sea.html#.WCbUNdLhCiQ …
    Thanks so much for sharing… all my best wishes. Aquileana 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aquileana – I urge all to check out your blog – you are amazing!!! a) courageous & romantic to marry argentine & move there, b) all the more so for now be getting drivers license there!!! (prayers to your safe car rides among survival of fittest road rules…)

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Its so lovely to find your blog. I share many of your interests and I love your dogs. I am a big fan of Mother Teresa as she signifies how one person can make a HUGE difference. I have other heroines that include my dear sisters and a much loved auntie.

    Liked by 1 person

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