Toña la Negra | |
---|---|
Birth name | María Antonia del Carmen Peregrino Álvarez |
Born |
Veracruz, Mexico |
October 17, 1912
Died | November 19, 1982 Mexico City, Mexico |
(aged 70)
Genres | Bolero, canción |
Occupation(s) | Singer |
Labels | RCA Victor, Peerless Records, Orfeón, Panart |
Associated acts | Agustín Lara, Sonora Matancera |
María Antonia del Carmen Peregrino Álvarez (October 17, 1912 – November 19, 1982), better known as Toña la Negra, was an Afro-Mexican singer known for her interpretation of boleros and canciones written by Agustín Lara. She first became famous for her interpretation of Lara's "Enamorada", as well as "Lamento Jarocho", written specially for her to sing. She also sang in the famous Sonora Matancera, recording two numbers in the studio with this musical institution. The alley where she was born in the old barrio of "La Huaca" in the city of Veracruz, México, carries her name.
On Wednesday, November 17, 1982, she was admitted to a hospital in Mexico City because of cardiovascular problems. That following Friday, at the age of 70, Toña la Negra died of a heart attack.
After her death the municipality of Veracruz has erected a statue of Toña la Negra within sight of the old church of Cristo del Buen Viaje (1609) bordering on the La Huaca barrio. The German film director Christian Baudissin made a documentary about Toña la Negra for television in 1993 that included interviews with her ex-husband the musician "Vittillo" Victor Ruiz Pazos, singer Tania Libertad and others who knew her.