Chavela Vargas was a close compatriot and probably lover of Frida Kahlo. She came out as a lesbian at 81.
She's known for singing Mexican rancheras, a musical form mostly associated with men, especially when she started. They were usually from the POV of a man, and she didn't change the lyrics. She also dressed in suits and smoked cigars.
And her fame is well deserved. Such a gorgeous rendition of this song.
Chavela Vargas - Paloma Negra
@tyghebright Wow, what an amazing voice. And cool bio too. Thanks for this.
I came across a brief bio of her just yesterday along with this photo. I'd heard of her in passing when I studied Kahlo, but don't think I'd ever actually listened to her music.
Here's another song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yxYh1DbaPA
@tyghebright Oh, that's beautiful too. I wrote my dissertation on the female voice in the medieval lyric (those authored by men and those authored by women), so this is of great interest to me. Also, the photo is 🔥.