Mercedes Sosa

Mercedes Sosa, born Haydee Marta Mercedes Sosa Giron, was an Argentine singer who lived from 9 July 1935 to 4 October 2009 and was popular throughout Latin America and beyond. Rooted in Argentine folk music, she became one of the leading exponents of the nuevo cancionero, or new songbook, movement, giving voice to songs by many Latin American songwriters and earning the titles voice of the voiceless ones and the conscience of Latin America. She performed at venues including New York's Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, the Theatre Mogador in Paris, the Sistine Chapel and the Roman Colosseum, won six Latin Grammy awards across a four decade career including a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, and served as a UNICEF ambassador.