Grandmother Wins Latin Grammy 'Best New Artist' at Age 95

Cuban-American Angela Alvarez ... Oldest Winner Ever
"It's Never Too Late" Remarks

Angela Alvarez, who won the Best New Artist award at the 23rd Latin Grammy at the age of 95. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] "It's never too late." These are the words of 95-year-old grandmother ?ngela ?lvarez, who won the Latin Grammy 'Best New Artist' award.

?lvarez, a Cuban-American, jointly won the Best New Artist award with Silvana Estrada at the 23rd Latin Grammy Awards held on the 17th at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, USA. At 95 years old, ?lvarez is also the oldest recipient of the Best New Artist award in Latin Grammy history. She said, "I want to dedicate this award to God and my beloved homeland Cuba," adding, "To those who have not yet achieved their dreams, although life is difficult, there is always a way out, and with faith and love, you can realize your dreams." She continued, "Some people give up, but I did not give up and fought. It's never too late," delivering an acceptance speech that moved many.

Recently, the American entertainment media outlet People introduced ?lvarez's life and music in detail. Born in Cuba, she had musical talent from a young age and wanted to become a singer, but could not fulfill her dream due to her father's opposition. After marrying and having four children, ?lvarez decided to immigrate to the United States in 1962 for a better life.

Her life was far from smooth. During the Cuban Revolution, when Fidel Castro's rule began, ?lvarez sent her four children to the United States first. Reflecting on that time, she said, "It was the hardest decision of my life." During the Cuban Revolution from 1960 to 1962, more than 14,000 children were sent to the United States through 'Operation Pedro Pan,' and ?lvarez was part of this. The family was reunited only after a long time and settled in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. However, hardships continued as ?lvarez lost her husband and only daughter to cancer.

Whether in joy or sorrow, she composed music, played guitar, and sang for decades, but only for family and friends. Her songs became known to the world after she was over 90 years old. Her grandson Carlos Jos? ?lvarez, a composer and producer, insisted on preserving the 'family legacy' by documenting his grandmother's musical work. Carlos, who began preparing the album, said, "I didn't know my grandmother had so many songs."

This process was also made into a documentary film titled 'Miss Angela' (the American pronunciation of ?ngela), produced and narrated by famous Cuban actor Andy Garc?a. The connection with Garc?a continued, and ?lvarez's songs were included in the soundtrack of the remake film 'Father of the Bride,' in which Garc?a starred. ?lvarez's first album, '?ngela ?lvarez,' containing 15 songs, was released last year. Her songs have been praised as diaries that capture both the deep sorrows and joys of life.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.