This woman will knock the “macho” out of “machismo”! Mexico’s most outspoken independent woman.

Hello everyone, this week I bring to you Paquita La Del Barrio from Veracruz, Mexico. Known for taking a jab at men and the Latin machismo culture her outspoken lyrics and ranchera style have led her to be the one of the most loved women in Regional Mexican Music. Starting her career in 1970 Paquita has climbed to the top of the charts and to the hearts of women across Mexico and the United States. Married twice, Paquita sings of her first ex-husbands infidelities and betrayals and the passionate romance she had with her last husband which ended with his death in 2000. To many, Paquita’s heart wrenching songs are a clear window in her past and present and with that fans show up by the thousands to pack stadiums throughout Mexico and the United States. Paquita has earned the respect and admiration of such legends of Juan Gabriel, Marco Antonio Solis, Alejandro Fernandez and Pepe Aguilar who know all too well how Regional Mexican Ranchera Music has always been a male dominated genre. I once had the opportunity to see Paquita and all I can say is that I have never been so scared to be a man in an arena full of angry passionate women. Hell hath no fury like the scorn of Paquita La Del Barrio, ciao.

3/14/09 – Gibson Amphitheatre – Los Angeles, CA

Rata de dos Patas from Para Los Inútiles (2004)