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]

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Mon 29 May 202302:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 27 May 202304:32GMT
  • Sat 27 May 202310:32GMT
  • Sat 27 May 202318:32GMT
  • Sat 27 May 202323:32GMT
  • Sun 28 May 202308:32GMT
  • Sun 28 May 202322:32GMT
  • Mon 29 May 202302:32GMT

Contact Outlook

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected