Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP / Getty Images
The Tejano music world and the Latin music community are grieving the loss of one of the most iconic voices, Paquita la del Barrio, who passed away at the age of 77. The legendary Mexican singer, known for her fiery songs like “Rata de Dos Patas” and “Cheque en Blanco,” passed away on Monday after battling long-standing health issues. Paquita had continued performing despite her declining health, even offering multiple concerts while in a wheelchair.
Paquita’s career skyrocketed in 1984 with the release of El Barrio De Los Faroles, marking the beginning of her rise as one of the most prominent voices in ranchera music. Known for her defiant attitude and empowering lyrics, she quickly became a cultural icon. Her fearless voice gave many women a platform to express their frustrations with betrayal, heartbreak, and societal injustice, making her the voice of countless women who connected with her songs.
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As news of her passing spread, figures from the Tejano music world took to social media to express their sorrow and honor Paquita’s immense contributions to Latin music. Legendary Tejano band La Mafia shared a heartfelt message on social media, writing, “We deeply regret the loss of Paquita la del Barrio, a legend of Mexican music. Her unique voice and legacy will live on in our hearts. Rest in peace.” Tejano icon Bobby Pulido also posted, “Today we lost a great one, Paquita la del Barrio. Her unmistakable voice and courage to say things as they are left an indelible mark on music and in our hearts. Her legacy will live on forever. My deepest condolences to her family. Rest in peace.”
Tejano artists Lucky Joe and Destiny Navaira also shared their grief simply with “Q.E.P.D.”—an abbreviation for “que en paz descanse,” meaning “rest in peace.”
Though the exact cause of Paquita’s death has not yet been confirmed, her fans were already concerned over her health in the weeks leading up to her passing. Paquita had recently revealed she had to postpone a concert with Sonora Santanera at the National Auditorium in Mexico City due to immobility in her legs, further highlighting her declining health. For years, Paquita’s health had been a struggle, as she dealt with lung problems and required the use of oxygen due to smoke exposure at various venues. In 2019, she was hospitalized after suffering a pulmonary thrombosis, though she later recovered. Yet, persistent pain from her sciatic nerve continued to affect her ability to perform.
Paquita la del Barrio – Rata De Dos Patas (En Vivo)
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Born in Veracruz, Paquita—whose real name was Francisca Viveros Barradas—broke down barriers in the traditionally male-dominated ranchera genre. Throughout her career, Paquita la del Barrio remained a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment, often delivering unapologetically bold and empowering lyrics in her music.
Her passing marks the end of an era for ranchera and Latin music, but her legacy will undoubtedly live on. As one of the greatest voices in Mexican music, Paquita’s music will continue to resonate, inspiring new generations of artists and fans.
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