0 Comments Mercedes Sosa in Critical Condition

Somewhere in my house is an LP released by Joan Baez in the 70s. I believe I must have acquired it as a promo from one of my friends in college radio. Its attraction for me was that it was recorded in Spanish. Not only that, it was a collection of Latin American folk songs. Having been born and raised in a Latin American country because my parents were living and working there at the time, I welcomed the album as a connection to my past. My favorite song from it was “Gracias a la Vida,” or “Thanks Be to Life.” After years of having no way to play vinyl records, I purchased the only CD set with that album’s music so I could hear that song again. Now it’s time for me to go a step further and listen to it as sung by Latin American musicians.

“Gracias a la Vida” was written by Violeta Parra, who, ironically, later committed suicide. It has frequently been sung by Argentine folk musician Mercedes Sosa, whose musical career has spanned more than four decades. She is a prolific artist and has come to represent the voice of the people in more ways than one.

Sosa was admitted to the hospital nearly two weeks ago. According to this morning’s Associated Press story, she was placed on a respirator Thursday. Family and friends are understandably concerned.