Lhasa de Sela R.I.P. 1972-2010

Juno-winning multi-lingual singer-songwriter also worked with Tindersticks, Patrick Watson and others.

By Fred Mills

Canadian singer-songwriter Lhasa de Sela - known simply as Lhasa to her many fans across the globe - died Jan. 1 at her Montreal home following a 21-month long battle with breast cancer. She was only 37.

She released her latest album, simply titled Lhasa, in 2009 and had continued to work during much of her illness, although her last public performances were in Iceland last May. She was forced to cancel a long international tour scheduled for autumn 2009 and a projected album of the songs of Victor Jara and Violeta Parra was never completed.

In a statement from her manager, David-Etienne Savoie, "She faced [the illness] with courage and determination. Throughout this difficult period, she continued to touch the lives of those around her with her characteristic grace, beauty and humor."

Born in 1972 in Big Indian, NY (in the Catskill mountains) to a Mexican father and American mother, Lhasa moved around for much of her life, eventually settling in Montreal in the early ‘90s. She debuted in 1997 with the Spanish-language La Llorona, which earned her a Juno award for Best Global Album. She toured heavily behind it and was a featured performer on the Lilith Fair festival. 2003 brought The Living Road, and along with the 2009 album she has sold, to date, over a million copies internationally.

In addition to many other awards, Lhasa was named Best Artist of the Americas in 2005 at the BBC's World Music Awards. She also sang with Britain's Tindersticks, France's Arthur H and Montreal's Patrick Watson.

Commented manager Savoie, "It is difficult to describe her unique voice and stage presence, which earned her iconic status in many countries throughout the world, but

some   Journalists have  described it as passionate, sensual, untameable, tender, profound, troubling, enchanting, hypnotic, hushed, powerful, intense, a voice for all time.

"Lhasa had a unique way of communicating with her public.  She dared to open her heart on stage, allowing her audience to experience an intimate connection and communion with her.   She profoundly affected and inspired many people throughout the cities and countries she visited."

Lhasa at MySpace (songs, and more): http://www.myspace.com/lhasadeselamusic