Photo courtesy of the artist

2007 NEA National Heritage Fellow Agustin Lira Fresno, CA Chicano Singer, musician, composer

Agustin Lira was born in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. At the age of seven, he moved with his family to California in order to follow the crops with fellow farmworkers through the San Joaquin Valley.  When he was 19, he co-founded El Teatro Campesino, realizing the power of artistic expression in uniting and inspiring the farmworker communities.  His powerful singing and socially relevant lyrics served as the voice of the Chicano movement.  Lira blended Mexican song traditions such as ranchera, huapango, and bolero with Anglo folk and popular musical forms to create works that are sung to this day.  Hugo Morales, founder of Radio Bilingue, a Harvard Law School graduate and MacArthur Fellows, says of Lira and Cesar Chavez, "As a young student they inspired me to study, do my homework and do well academically so that, as the only farmworker in my class who was on a college track, I could later help my farmworker brothers and sisters."  Lira was invited to perform at the Newport Folk Festival in 1968 and 1969.  After leaving Teatro Campesino, he continued to work in music and theater and formed the musical group Alma.  Lira has appeared on numerous recordings and has written songs featured in theatrical productions and film.  Previous recognition of his work includes the Latino Legends of the 20th Century Award from the Central Valley Mexican American Association and the Local Hero Award from Valley Public Television. Also, for the past 42 years, he has taught theater, music, and/or creative writing in academic, community and arts organizations throughout California.

 
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NEA Heritage Fellows
1982-2012: 
BY YEAR | ALPHA