Mexican music icon Paquita la del Barrio dies at 77: All you need to know

Paquita la del Barrio Tour 2018 - Source: Getty
Paquita la del Barrio Tour 2018. Image via Getty.

News broke on Monday that we have tragically lost another celebrated icon. Paquita la del Barrio, a renowned Mexican singer and songwriter, has passed away at age 77 in her home in Veracruz. She was a talented musician known for her strong voice and unrelenting support of women in the industry and beyond. The world has sadly lost a true legend and humanitarian.


Remembering Paquita

Paquita la del Barrio’s unfortunate passing was announced via her social media accounts and later confirmed by her people to the the Associated Press.

The singer was facing a range of recent health problems, that contributed to her untimely demise. The official statement read as follows,

“With deep pain and sadness we confirm the sensitive passing of our beloved ‘Paquita la del Barrio’ at her home in Veracruz. She was a unique and unrepeatable artist who will leave an indelible mark in the hearts of all of us who knew her and enjoyed her music.”

These powerful words echoed the indelible impact Paquita had on so many across the world.

Paquita la del Barrio, regaled audiences with songs of love, heartbreak and betrayal, sharing an almost operatic presence when performing her music on stage. Her biggest hits included Rata de dos patas, Piérdeme el Respeto, Taco Placero, and Tres veces te engañé, songs that will live forever with her legacy.

At the onset of her career, her audience was predominantly women due to the subject matter of her songs, but gradually men became vocal in their support as well.

Paquita commented in an earlier interview, also with the Associated Press.

“At the beginning, many men said, ‘Why would I go, to get shamed? Now they join the concerts. They go with their girlfriend, their wife, and they love it.”

Accolades and honors

Paquita la del Barrio was a two-time Grammy nominee in her storied career. She had also been nominated for a Latin Grammy. In addition, she received love and recognition across the international music scene, earning a Billboard Latin Music Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2021. The award was presented by Bad Bunny, a Latin music icon in his own right.

The moment was made extra special by an unplanned improvisation during her acceptance speech, where the microphone on stage was too high for her to speak into.

Initially the audience froze in a panic, until Bad Bunny stood up, climbed on stage, and held the microphone in place for Paquita as she delivered a teary-eyed thank you to her supporters over the years. It was a truly wholesome moment, one that embodied her nature to a tee.

Social media users were quick to show their support online, extending their heartfelt condolences for her passing. The official accounts for the Latin Grammys and Apple Music were amongst the first to mourn her tragic loss.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew
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