Mercedes Sosa Dead at 74

Latin American singer Mercedes Sosa has passed away at the age of 74 according to reports from Reuters. The native Argentinian known for her politically charged songs, died Sunday as revealed in an official statement from her family. Sosa’s death didn’t come as a major shock considering the state of her health prior to her passing, but this is still a surprising loss in the Latin music community.

Sosa was previously hospitalized for kidney problems, and was being treated in the intensive care unit. Her body was taken to the Congress building in Buenos Aires for public visitation Sunday afternoon and her remains are to be cremated today. The singer was affectionately known by her fans as La Negra — ‘the Black One,’ due to her dark hair and complexion. She was also called the ‘the voice of the silent majority,’ for her involvement in various political causes.

She was a member of the Communist Party, and had multiple run ins with the law due to her outspoken views on the government. Even though her career was surrounded by controversy, she remained grounded by her music.

“Really, I was born to sing,” she said in a magazine interview in 2005. “My life is dedicated to singing, finding songs and singing them. If I get myself involved in politics, I’d have to neglect what’s most important to me, the folk song.”

Sosa released her last album back in 2005, even when her health began to fail.

Were you a fan of Mercedes Sosa’s music?