Paquita la del Barrio (1947–)
Paquita la del Barrio (1947–)
Paquita la del Barrio (Francisca Víveros Barradas) is a Mexican popular singer. Born on April 2, 1947, in Alto Lucero, Veracruz, Mexico, Paquita began her career in Mexico City in 1970 by singing in night clubs. Her musical style is best described as bridging bolero and ranchera. She has recorded numerous CDs, including Puro Dolor (2007), Para los inútiles (2005), Besos callejeros (2004), Pierdeme el Respeto (2001), and Desquítate conmigo (1992), but her recognition and fame largely rest on her live performances. Paquita's aggressive lyrics against macho attitudes—"¿Me oyes, inútil?" ("Do you hear me, you useless man?") has become her signature line—and defending a woman's right to be treated with respect are unique in Mexican popular music. In love songs she stresses women's need for emotional and sexual fulfillment and dares men to become true partners. She has achieved iconic status among female audiences but also among males.
See alsoBolero; Music: Popular Music and Dance.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Foster, David William. "Paquita la del Barrio: Singing Feminine Rage." CiberLetras 2 (2000). Available from http://www.lehman.cuny.edu/ciberletras/index_files/v01n02.htm.
Foster, David William. "Paquita la del Barrio." In Encyclopedia of Contemporary Latin American and Caribbean Cultures. London: Routledge, 2000.
Claudia P. Rivas JimÉnez