Chavela Vargas - Mexican Singer Chavela Vargas Dies

The star passed away on Sunday (05Aug12) at a hospital in Cuernavaca, Mexico as a result of respiratory failure.

Vargas, who was famed for her deep voice and often dressed as man while drinking and smoking on stage, recorded 80 albums during her professional career.

She made her debut at New York's famed Carnegie Hall at the age of 83 and was given a lifetime achievement award by the Latin Recording Academy in 2007.

Vargas also made an appearance in 2002 film Frida, about her close friend, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.