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Chavela Vargas

Honor the Departed in Our Annual Sonic Altar

A Day of the Dead altar at a public shrine in the historic city center of Oaxaca, Mexico. Gabriel Perez/Getty Images hide caption

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Gabriel Perez/Getty Images

Alt.Latino

Honor the Departed in Our Annual Sonic Altar

In what's become an annual Día de los Muertos tradition, we play music and personal dedications honoring the departed.

Honor the Departed in Our Annual Sonic Altar

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The Astonishing Desolation Of Chavela Vargas' 'La Llorona'

Chavela Vargas' album La Llorona showcases the astonishing range of desolation and heartbreak that only she is able to reach. Jaime Razuri/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Jaime Razuri/AFP/Getty Images

Review

The 150 Greatest Albums Made By Women

The Astonishing Desolation Of Chavela Vargas' 'La Llorona'

Vargas' ability to tap into the depths of the human spirit using just a guitar and her voice is exemplified by her 1994 album of original material and Mexican classics.

Chavela Vargas: A Legend Of Latin American Song

Chavela Vargas performing in Buenos Aires in 2004. STR/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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STR/AFP/Getty Images

The Record

Chavela Vargas: A Legend Of Latin American Song

She was a cultural icon across the Spanish-speaking world, with a voice that redefined notions of beauty and an attitude that brashly bent gender roles. Vargas died Sunday; she was 93.

Chavela Vargas: A Legend Of Latin American Song

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Chavela Vargas: The Voice Of Triumph
Sofia Moro/Getty Images

50 Great Voices

Chavela Vargas: The Voice Of Triumph

Vargas was born in Costa Rica, but has a voice tailor-made for singing Mexican rancheras, boleros and corridos. For many Mexicans, her versions of these songs are definitive. Even at 91, Vargas still possesses a voice that reflects struggle, defiance and ultimately triumph.

Chavela Vargas: The Voice Of Triumph

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