Mercedes Sosa Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Children, Awards, Songs, Obituary, Husband

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Haydée Mercedes “La Negra” Sosa, famously known as Mercedes Sosa, was a powerful and influential figure in Latin American music.

Her passion for Argentine folk music and talent as a singer helped her gain popularity not only in her home country but also throughout the region and beyond.

Sosa’s unique style and powerful voice made her one of the leading artists of El Nuevo Cancionero. This movement sought to give voice to social and political issues through music.

Profile

• Full Name: Haydée Mercedes “La Negra” Sosa
• Stage Name: Mercedes Sosa
• Born: 9, July 1935
• Date of death: 4 October 2009 (aged: 74 years)
• Birthplace: San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
• Nationality: Argentine
• Occupation: Singer
• Height: unknown
• Parent: unknown
• Siblings: unknown
• Spouse: Oscar Matus (m. 1957–1965)
• Partner: Pocho Mazzitelli (ex)
• Children: Fabián Matus.
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life And Education

Haydée Mercedes “La Negra” Sosa was born on July 9, 1935, in San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina. Although her parents raised her and grew up with siblings, their details remain largely private and have not been widely shared with the media.

Sosa began her musical education early and won a local singing contest when she was 15. Raised in a Peronist household, she became closely associated with the Argentine folklore movement and was celebrated for her powerful voice and commitment to social activism. Her religious beliefs, however, were not extensively documented.

Career

Mercedes Sosa began her illustrious career at the age of 15 after winning a local radio contest, which led to her first professional performance.

She quickly became a central figure in the nueva canción movement of the 1960s, a genre that fused traditional Latin American folk music with social and political messages.

Sosa’s powerful voice and emotive interpretations struck a chord with audiences, establishing her as a prominent Latin American music and culture representative.

Throughout her five-decade career, Sosa released over 70 albums and collaborated with an impressive array of renowned artists, including Joan Baez, Sting, and Shakira.

Her music often explored themes of struggle, hope, and social justice, becoming anthems for movements advocating change across Latin America.

One of her most iconic performances was her rendition of “Gracias a la vida,” written by Violeta Parra. This further cemented her legacy as an artist and a tireless advocate for human rights.

Sosa faced significant personal and professional challenges during Argentina’s military dictatorship, including censorship and forced exile. However, she returned to Argentina in 1982 and met with a triumphant reception.

Her contributions to music and culture earned her multiple Grammy Awards, and she remains one of the most influential figures in Latin American folk music, often referred to as “the voice of Latin America.”

Awards and Nominations

Latin Grammy Awards

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @mercedes.sosaok
• Twitter handle: @hmsosaoficial

Personal Life

Mercedes Sosa was married to musician Manuel Oscar Matus from 1957 to 1965. Together they had one son, Fabián Matus.

Their partnership was significant in the nueva canción movement, which blended music and social activism. After their marriage ended, Sosa had a long-term relationship with Pocho Mazzitelli, who also served as her manager until he died in 1978.

Despite her personal relationships, Sosa remained a powerful and influential figure in Latin American music and activism until her death in 2009.

Discography

• 1962: La Voz De La Zafra
• 1965: Canciones Con Fundamento
• 1969: Mujeres Argentinas
• 1975: A Que Florezca Mi Pueblo
• 1985: Vengo A Ofrecer Mi Corazón
• 2009: Cantora 1 (with various artists)
• 2011: Censurada
• 2015: Lucerito

Net Worth

At the time of her passing in 2009, Mercedes Sosa had an estimated net worth of $10 million.  

Her wealth resulted from a prolific career spanned over four decades. During this time, she became a leading figure in Latin American music, particularly through her significant contributions to the nueva canción movement.

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