Amalia Mendoza

Born into a traditional Mexican household steeped in folk music traditions, Latin celebrity Amalia Mendoza entered the world as Amalia Mendoza García. She launched her solo career in 1954 by performing on a radio broadcast. During the late 1950s los Tariácuri, whose name came from her brother’s band, began releasing successful recordings and forming ties with leading local artists. Shortly afterward the songs “Amarga Navidad,” “Echame a Mi la Culpa,” and “Te Parto el Alma” took their place among Mexican classics. Her sister Perla Mendoza joined her to create the duo las Tariacuristas, also known as Zirahuén and las Adelitas. The city of Los Angeles, CA, honored her, and San Antonio, TX, named her lady mayor ad perpetuam for her role in popular music. The legendary singer died on June 11, 2001, after progressive paralysis of the lungs.