Queen and Pioneer, A Ranchera Great Comes to Calgary
The name Aida Cuevas may be new to some, but it is a household staple to many. With over 40 albums under her belt and both GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY awards to boot, the "Queen of Ranchera Music" has worn her title with pride since her first performance at only 11 years old.
"Ranchera music is my life. It’s my passion. I loved ranchera from the very first time I heard it and I’ve been singing it since I was a child," says Cuevas in an interview with The Georgia Straight. "Ranchera comes originally from the state of Jalisco and dates from the late 1800s, when it was sung by country people—farmworkers and ranch hands. They started to form mariachi groups. At first the singers were accompanied by guitar and bass, joined before long by violins and trumpets.”
Often considered to be among the most patriotic of music in her native Mexico, Ranchera evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and romance. Its popularity spiked during Mexico's golden age of cinema, yet Cuevas' impeccable vocals and palpable passion for the style keep it eminently listenable.
Since her debut in 1975, Aida Cuevas released an album almost every year until 2004, taking a brief break before resuming in 2010. Her dedication to the art form has never wavered, and in 2018 she became the first woman to receive a GRAMMY Award for Best Regional Mexican Music Album.
"This award is a good gateway for everyone, especially women, who want to sing or are already singing rancheras," Cuevas stated in a post-win interview with NBC. Accepting the award in her traditional charro outfit, her pride in Mexico and ranchera was bold and unapologetic.
"My charro outfit is like my second skin. It fills me up with pride every time I wear it. Going up that stage with my attire, representing an entire country which is mi México lindo, was one of the best experiences of my life.”
On November 25, Aida Cuevas comes to Arts Commons for the first time to perform with Mariachi Aztlán on the Jack Singer Concert Hall stage. Join us for an evening with one of the ranchera's greats!
Thank you to BD&P Law for sponsoring the BD&P World Stage series.
