Main content
Grandma at the Grammys: From seamstress to singer at 80
Mexican seamstress Irma Silva had always wanted to sing, but it was in her 80s that she really found her voice. Singing folksongs with grandson Jorge led to unexpected success.
Mexican seamstress Irma Silva had always wanted to sing but was forbidden by her father. It was only when she was in her 80s and her grandson Jorge wanted her to teach him, that she really found her voice. They started singing together, performing norteño folksong duets on their family ranch. Abuela Irma and Jorge’s music went viral – taking them all the way to the Latin Grammys.
Presenter: Clayton Conn
Producer: Maryam Maruf
Voiceovers: Laura Plitt and Miguel Torres
(Photo: Jorge Loayzat and Irma Silva. Credit: Courtesy of Jorge Loayzat)
Get in touch: [email protected]
Last on
Mon 29 May 202302:32GMT
BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East
Broadcasts
- Sat 27 May 202304:32GMTBBC World Service West and Central Africa
- Sat 27 May 202310:32GMTBBC World Service West and Central Africa
- Sat 27 May 202318:32GMTBBC World Service except West and Central Africa
- Sat 27 May 202323:32GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Sun 28 May 202308:32GMTBBC World Service except Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa
- Sun 28 May 202322:32GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa & BBC Afghan Radio
- Mon 29 May 202302:32GMTBBC World Service Europe and the Middle East


