Rosa Balistreri was an Italian singer and guitarist who was born in Licata, Sicily, in 1927. She achieved professional recognition at age 39 after being cast in Dario Fo’s theatrical production Ci ragiono e canto (1966). Balistreri is famous for her powerful, raspy vocal style and for being a central figure in the revival of Sicilian folk music, often depicting themes of poverty, social injustice, and the mafia. Her discography includes the studio recordings La voce della Sicilia (1967), Un matrimonio infelice (1967), and Amuri senza amuri (1974). After residing in Florence, she returned to Sicily in 1971 to continue her career as a storyteller and performer. In 1982, she was honored with the Premio Tenco. Her notable works include the tracks “Terra che non senti” (1973) and “Amore tu lo sai la vita è amara” (1971). Balistreri died in 1990.
