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: outlook@bbc.com

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Mon 29 May 2023 02:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 27 May 2023 04:32GMT
  • Sat 27 May 2023 10:32GMT
  • Sat 27 May 2023 18:32GMT
  • Sat 27 May 2023 23:32GMT
  • Sun 28 May 2023 08:32GMT
  • Sun 28 May 2023 22:32GMT
  • Mon 29 May 2023 02:32GMT

Contact Outlook

Contact Outlook

Info on how we might use your contribution on air

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected