Oldest Latin Grammy Winner In History ‘Had To Wait’ For 80 Years For Her First Award After Being Forbidden To Sing

Dec 21, 2022 by apost team

In life, achieving one’s dreams may be difficult with all the hardships and obstacles that may come along the way. Especially when life lands you at a crossroads between choosing to live out your dreams or pursuing something practical, some people can’t help but throw their dreams in the backseat. 

But even though many would opt to do it the other way around, some people still find a way to achieve their dreams, albeit happening years after. 

Cuban-born American singer Angela Álvarez proved that no matter how old you are, it is indeed better late than never to achieve your dreams. At the age of 95, Álvarez earned her first Grammy Award, specifically a Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist. 

When she was young, Álvarez had always been fond of music. However, her father discouraged her from making a career of it. Growing up, Álvarez had two aunts who played the piano and taught her how to sing. She pointed out that in family gatherings, she would be the one who performs for everybody, making everybody feel entertained with her love for music and performance. 

Heeding her father’s orders, Álvarez proceeded to take on family life. She eventually had four children and became a grandmother of nine kids and a great-grandmother of 15, she told Billboard. 

Last 2022 Latin Grammy Awards, Álvarez made history by becoming the oldest Latin Grammy Winner in the show’s 23 years of existence.

When Álvarez won the award, she tied with 25-year-old Mexican singer Silvana Estrada, but despite the tie, she has remained grateful for receiving the award. 

“To those who have yet to make their dreams come true, know that although life is hard, there’s always a way out, and with faith and love, everything can be achieved,” she said in her speech. 

Thanks to her grandson, Carlos José, who took the time and effort to launch his Nana’s career decades after to relive her youth, Álvarez earned her first Grammy at the age of 95. 

In a Variety interview, Álvarez recalled her grueling journey to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a singer. 

“This is something that happened from day to night. I’ve always loved to sing since I was a little girl… when the family would have parties for Christmas or birthdays, I was the artist — they’d make me long dresses and announce my entrance to sing,” she said. 

Álvarez released her self-titled debut album last 2021, which included “Romper el Yugo” (Break the Chains) and “Mi Gran Amor” (My Great Love”), among many others. 

Asked what her advice is to those who want to achieve their dreams, Álvarez had this to say:

“Your life starts today. Always aspire to achieve something — chase the inspiration to sing, to pick up an instrument to paint — do it. And don’t get stuck on the idea that you may fail. Keep going and moving forward, and when you finally do get to the end, that’s when you can say I can or I can’t — but always try it first.”

Álvarez is a living testament that age should not be a hindrance to achieving one’s dreams and aspirations, and she made a very poignant realization in the same interview for the publication. 

“There are many open doors out there — the only person shutting those doors is yourself. If we don’t try, the doors will be closed. I had to wait 80 years to get to where I am here today,” she said. 

apost.com

Congratulations, Angela Álvarez! What do you think of Angela’s story? Are there any dreams that you had when you were younger that you did not achieve? Would you have done the same as Angela? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones!