Born: 1899 (Villa Purificación, Jalisco, Mexico)
Died: 1990
Biography:
Concha Michel (1899–1990) was a Mexican singer-songwriter, political activist, playwright, and researcher who made significant contributions to the preservation of Mexican culture and traditions. She was born as Concepción Michel in 1899 in Villa Purificación, Jalisco, Mexico. Her grandfather, Louis Michel, was a prominent figure in the region where she was born.
Michel’s family later moved to Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, where her father was involved in trade with seafaring ships. At the age of seven, Concha was sent to school at the Convento de San Ignacio de Loyola in the village of Ejutla, Jalisco. During her time there, she showed a talent for singing and playing the guitar. However, her rebellious nature led to her expulsion, as she organized the other novices to run away and even attempted to set fire to one of the saints.
After being orphaned at a young age, Michel was primarily raised by her sister, Albina. During this time period, Michel’s specific dates of events are difficult to determine. She became a mother before her 15th birthday and briefly lived in New York before returning to Mexico. She married, had a son, and eventually divorced.
In 1918, Michel joined the Communist Party (PCM) and entered into a life partnership with Hernán Laborde, the General Secretary and first Deputy of the PCM. Michel’s activism extended beyond political involvement as she became interested in documenting indigenous songs. From 1925 to 1926, she traveled across Mexico, collecting examples of folklore and songs for the Secretary of Education (SEP). Her work in this field laid the foundations for the preservation of indigenous culture and traditions.
In 1932, Michel relocated to New York, where she attended the School of Social Sciences for approximately a year. During her time in the city, she sang at John D. Rockefeller’s birthday party and attended an opening held at the Museum of Modern Art. Her talents and unique voice garnered attention, and she won $1200 at the event. With her winnings, she traveled to Europe and the Soviet Union.
Throughout her life, Michel established connections with many influential figures in Mexican art and literature. She was friends with renowned artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Michel’s goal in traveling to the Soviet Union was to study the conditions of women in a socialist country, and while there, she had the opportunity to meet Alexandra Kollontai, Nadezhda Krupskaya, and Clara Zetkin.
Michel’s contributions to Mexican society extended beyond her cultural preservation work and activism. She was a singer-songwriter and one of the few women who performed in the corrido style. She played a crucial role in establishing the Institute of Folklore in Michoacan, becoming one of the first collectors of folklore and traditions of the Mexican people.
Concha Michel’s life and work left a lasting impact on Mexico’s cultural landscape. She was a cultural icon, as demonstrated by her relationships with two presidents and a wide range of prominent artists. Her dedication to preserving Mexican traditions, her activism, and her artistic talents make her a significant figure in women’s history.