Mercedes Sosa: The voice takes Latin Americans through 'Dirty War'

Today, Google Doodle honors Mercedes Sosa, the Argentine folk music singer who inspired millions of people to overcome "Dirty War".

Who is Mercedes Sosa that Google Doodle honored?

Mercedes Sosa was born on July 9, 1935 in San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina. She is famous throughout Latin America and many countries outside the region when singing songs about freedom.

Sosa is also one of the leading evangelists of the Nueva Trova or New Song movement developed from Latin America in the 1960s and 1970s.

In the worst days of "Dirty War" (1976-1983) , when military dictatorships in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay tortured and killed thousands of dissidents and their families, Mercedes Sosa sang a song about freedom.

Basically a vocal artist, not a musician, Mercedes Sosa is famous for presenting the classic works "Gracias a la Vida" (roughly translated: Thanks, life) of Violeta Parra and Leon Gieco - Bob Dylan - "Solo le pido a Dios" (roughly translated: Don't make me get used to war)

Voice singing power

Google Doodle to symbolize Mercedes Sosa.

Her voice, when it was deep, was gentle, always attractive and made the listener overwhelmed. Her songs inspire people who are miserable.

"Anyone who doesn't live through those difficult times can't really understand how important she is. Sosa is our symbol , " said Pablo Farba, Sosa's English manager. "She works to the highest standards and never compromises - that's why she went on tour rather than being quiet at home."

Mercedes Sosa was born into a rather poor family in Tucuman province. At the age of 15, she participated in a talent competition of a local radio station under the name Gladys Osorio and the award was a two-month recording contract. This is a stepping stone to her 60-year career.

Her first album, La Voz de la Safra, was recorded in 1959. The following year, she released Songs with Feeling, produced by her first husband, Manuel Oscar Matus.

In 1965, she debuted at the extremely famous Cosquin Festival. This is Argentina's leading folk music event.

Suppressed

Mercedes Sosa is famous throughout Latin America and many countries outside the region when singing songs about freedom.

In 1979, while performing in La Plata, she was stormed by the army on the stage. She and the entire audience were detained for nearly 20 hours. This action has been condemned by the whole world.

After being released, with a heavy heart, she chose to tour, first in France and then Spain. Argentine journalist, Mr. Gustavo Sylvestre, once said that this time she was very melancholy.'She was hurt when she had to leave. She carries sadness, depression, like a gray cloud , " he said.

Although she was not banned from returning to Argentina, at the time, she was banned from singing in public, and it was not until 1982 that she returned. At that time, the 'Stupid War' was about to end and the country began to recover.

She then joined the Earth Council, an environmental initiative and was appointed Unicef's Goodwill Ambassador. She continued singing, performing with many other bright stars like Pavarotti, Joan Baez and Sting.

Mercedes Sosa lost October 4, 2009 at the age of 74.

Google Doodle to symbolize Mercedes Sosa for her great contributions.