Victor Jara

Víctor Lidio Jara Martínez

["Singer-Songwriter", "Theater Director", "Martyr of Nueva Cancion"]

Born Sep 28, 1932

San Ignacio (Nuble), Chile

Passed Away Sep 16, 1973 Santiago, Chile

Lifespan 40 years old

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Notice / Correction

"My guitar is not for the rich, nor for those who do not understand; my guitar sings for the laborer who cultivates the land."

Archival Overview

Chilean singer-songwriter, theater director, and political activist who personified the Nueva Cancion movement, murdered during the 1973 military coup for singing songs of social liberation.

Biographical Record

The son of peasant farmhands, Victor Jara (1932–1973) rose to become one of Chile's premier theatrical directors, winning awards for directing works by Brecht and Garcia Lorca. He revolutionized Latin American folk music with songs like 'Te recuerdo Amanda' and 'Plegaria a un labrador'.

Arrested on September 12, 1973 following Augusto Pinochet's coup, Jara was taken to Chile Stadium where soldiers broke his hands and mocked his guitar playing before executing him with over forty bullets. Smuggled out before his death, his final poem 'Estadio Chile' stood as an unbreakable testament to human freedom.

Key Life Milestones

1969

First Nueva Cancion Chilena Festival

Won first prize with 'Plegaria a un labrador', launching the continental New Song movement.

1973

Final Poem 'Estadio Chile'

Composed defiance verse in captivity moments before his martyrdom in Chile Stadium.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

General Cemetery of Santiago
Santiago, Chile

                         GPS: -33.4191, -70.6519                    

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