A debut album titled La Llorona established a singular career for Lhasa de Sela, who transitioned from singing in cafes to international recognition before her untimely death. Born in Big Indian, New York, in 1972, she navigated a nomadic upbringing across the United States and Mexico, eventually settling in Montreal to pursue music.
Formative Years and Musical Beginnings
The daughter of Alejandro Sela and Alexandra Karam, Lhasa spent her first decade traveling in a converted school bus. Her family environment was saturated with music, featuring her father on flute and her mother on harp. After her parents separated when she was 13, she moved to San Francisco, where she began performing in local venues. Inspired by the life of Billie Holiday, she set her sights on a professional music career.
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In 1991, she relocated to Montreal to join her sisters at the National Circus School. She spent five years singing in local bars, eventually catching the attention of Audiogram manager Denis Wolff. Her first studio project, La Llorona, was released in 1997. The Spanish-language record, produced by Yves Desrosiers, blended influences including Mexican folk, klezmer, and gypsy jazz. It achieved platinum status in Canada and earned her a Juno Award.
Collaborative Life and Touring
Following her success, she toured with Lilith Fair and later joined her sisters in the circus troupe Pocheros, performing in the show La Maison Autre. Her experiences on the road influenced her songwriting. In 2003, she released her second album, The Living Road, which featured songs in English, French, and Spanish. She later collaborated with the Tindersticks and received acclaim from BBC Radio 3 as the best world music artist of the Americas in 2005.
Final Works and Legacy
Lhasa published a book in 2008 titled La Route chante, reflecting on her travels and creative process. Her self-titled third album was released in 2009. However, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. After undergoing 21 months of medical treatment, she died on January 1, 2010, in Montreal. She is buried at the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1972, Big Indian
- Died: 2010, Montreal
- Citizenship: Canada, United States, Mexico
- Debut Album: La Llorona (1997)
- Religion: Judaism
- Languages: Spanish, English
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the album La Llorona?
It was her debut work, which achieved platinum certification in Canada and earned her a 1998 Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year.
Where did Lhasa de Sela live during her adult life?
After settling in Montreal in 1991, she later lived in France, including time in Marseille, before returning to Montreal.
