Paquita la del Barrio, a renowned Mexican vocalist and songwriter known for her powerful feminist ballads, has passed away at the age of 77. Born Francisca Viveros Barradas on April 2, 1947, in Veracruz, Mexico, she broke through the male-dominated ranchera genre with unflinching songs that spoke of the pain men can cause women.
Her music often reflected her own personal experiences, including a tumultuous marriage and her struggles with heartbreak. However, Paquita’s stage name translates to “Paquita from the neighborhood,” which belies her powerful voice and message. She gained fame after a televised performance on Televisa, leading to a contract with CBS Records and catapulting her onto the national stage.
Throughout her career, Paquita released over 30 albums, received three Grammy nominations, and was awarded a lifetime achievement award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in 2021. Her music addressed topics such as love, revenge, and nationalism, but also spoke to the struggles faced by women in society.
Paquita’s passing has sparked an outpouring of grief among celebrities and fans on social media, with many praising her for empowering women through her music. The Mexican singer-songwriter will be remembered for her unflinching voice and message, leaving a lasting impact on Latin music worldwide.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/arts/music/paquita-la-del-barrio-dead.html