Left Noise: Victor Jara Edition

“Please remember Victor Jara in the Santiago stadium!” From Washington Bullets by the Clash

“How terrifying is the face of Fascism. For them, blood is a medal, carnage is a heroic gesture.” Excerpt from Jara’s last poem, smuggled out of the stadium where he was tortured and murdered.

Victor Jara was a Chilean political activist and folk singer who was murdered when the US-backed Pinochet overthrew the democratically elected Salvador Allende in 1973. In June of this year, 2016, a Chilean army officer was found liable for the murder of Victor Jara in 1973.

• Here is Democracy Now! on the recent court decision, with good background on Jara

Two great background pieces on the politics of the situation by the Jacobin and the Guardian

• Victor Jara: Allende’s Poet

• The life and death of Victor Jara – a classic feature from the vaults

The Clash knew who was to blame

• The Clash ask us all to remember Victor Jara in their song “Washington Bullets”.

For Jara’s music, lets begin at the end. The very end.

• “Manifiesto” is reportedly the last song Jara wrote before he was tortured and killed.

• Here is Bruce Springsteen tribute to Jara covering the song “Manifiesto”.

• Here are the lyrics in english

Three great, sad, moving, and important songs to get you started

• This is the song “Luchín” from an incredible complete concert with Victor Jara on peruvian TV from July of 1973, just months before his death.

• Victor Jara - Herminda de la Victoria

• Victor Jara - Cancion De Cuna Para Un Nino Vago

Phil Ochs was a big fan of and friend of Victor Jara

Ochs was in Chile and South America with Jara just prior to his death. Phil Ochs was back in the US when he heard the news of his torture and death. Ochs was devastated by Jara’s death.

• Ochs wrote one of his best songs “When I’m Gone” about his friend