Who is Lola Beltrán: Google Doodle celebrates iconic Mexican artist
Lola Beltrán made her name in the performing arts with around 100 albums and 50 films
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Google Doodle is celebrating the 92nd birthday of Lola Beltrán, a renowned Mexican singer and actress, often referred to as "La Grande de Sinaloa", meaning The Grand Lady of Sinaloa.
The artist, who was born to a working class family in El Rosario, Sinaloa in northwestern Mexico, made her mark in the performing arts with around 100 albums and 50 films.
“She inspired generations of Mexican singers to embrace folk music and sing about their authentic experiences,” Google said in its tribute to Beltrán.
Growing up, she became attracted to singing and was inspired during her visits to church, where she saw the choir and became obsessed with ballads. In 1953, Beltrán and her mother moved to Mexico City to begin her career as a singer.
After landing a job as a secretary at a prestigious radio station, Beltrán seized on the opportunity to join an on-air singing contest. She did not only win it but her outstanding performance impressed the producers so much that they helped her secure a recording contract.
Beltrán then began covering popular songs on air and soon earned her own radio show, but her ambitions soared beyond these accomplishments.
Beltrán began her career as a singer in the 1950s and quickly gained fame for her powerful voice, emotive delivery, and mastery of various Mexican musical genres, including rancheras, boleros, and mariachi.
Her deep, resonant voice allowed her to convey a wide range of emotions, earning her the admiration of audiences throughout Mexico and beyond.
One of Beltrán’s most notable accomplishments was her interpretation of the song "Cucurrucucú Paloma", written by Tomás Méndez.
The song became one of her signature pieces and remains an iconic Mexican classic. Beltrán’s rendition of "Cucurrucucú Paloma" is often regarded as one of the definitive interpretations of the song.
Beltrán became the first singer of Ranchera, a Latin music genre, to perform at the prestigious El Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. She also performed for presidents and leaders around the world.
In addition to her successful music career, Beltrán also ventured into acting, appearing in numerous Mexican films throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. She starred in several popular movies alongside renowned actors such as Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, and Antonio Aguilar.
Beltrán’s on-screen presence and charisma further solidified her status as a beloved cultural icon in Mexico.
Beltrán passed away on 24 March 1996, but her legacy as one of Mexico’s greatest singers and actresses lives on, inspiring generations of musicians and performers.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments