Chavela Vargas

Chavela Vargas was born Isabel Vargas Lizano in Costa Rica, though she became known for her interpretations of Mexican music. She developed her voice performing in small clubs and cantinas, and her 1961 album 'La Grande Dama del Bolero' helped establish her reputation. Her repertoire included songs like 'Tu Me Acostumbraste' and 'Juan Charrasqueado' from the traditional ranchera and bolero traditions.

Vargas had a distinctive presence, often wearing pants and smoking cigars at a time when that was unusual for women performers. Her vocal style was raw and direct, with an emotional intensity that felt lived-in rather than polished. She worked with songwriter José Alfredo Jiménez, who wrote many of the songs she performed.

Her personal life included struggles with alcohol, which she was open about and which seemed to inform the weathered quality of her later performances. She lived long enough to see a resurgence of interest in her work from younger audiences and artists outside the Latin music world. Vargas died in 2012 at age 93.