© Latinas in History 2008

  “LA LUPE” (GUADALUPE VICTORIA YOLI RAYMOND) (1939–1992)
The Afro-Cuban singer known as La Lupe was considered a unique and dynamic entertainer, and a controversial figure. She launched her singing career in Havana, Cuba, eventually opening her own club. Financial and professional setbacks motivated La Lupe to move to Mexico, then Miami and New York where she entered a thriving, innovative Latin music scene. She performed with top musicians like Johnny Pacheco and Mongo Santamaria, who were breaking new ground in Latin music. La Lupe was known for her bizarre interpretations of songs including exaggerated and often eccentric gyrations onstage, but her music touched a chord with women’s alienation, rejection, dislocation and the struggle to survive. In spite of high record sales, La Lupe suffered health problems that confined her to a wheelchair. She joined the Pentecostal Church where she refocused her music to Christian themes.

LINKS  

Salsa Magazine
Record Online
La
Lupe music

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