This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Mexican-American Singer Lila Downs
CD cover of 'Una Sangre (One Blood)'
Listen
0:00
Listen
If you caught the award-winning 2002 film Frida, starring Selma Hayek as Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, then you've heard -- and seen -- Lila Downs. She recorded "Burn It Blue" with Brazil's Caetano Veloso for the Grammy-nominated soundtrack and also appeared as a tango singer in the movie.
The Mexican-American singer's sound evokes the pulsing, vibrant rhythms of her home country's rich folk-music legacy. But in addition to modern instrumentation and arrangements, Downs has brought a new social awareness to her repertoire of original and native Mesoamerican songs.
Downs talks to NPR's Michele Norris about her music and performs a few songs from her latest CD, Una Sangre (One Blood). Many of the album's songs carry contemporary messages that promote respect for human rights and dignity, particularly for Latin American women.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
