Trova, which originated in 19th century Cuba, was originally performed by trovadores (troubadours) roaming around the island, singing and accompanying themselves on guitar. Typical early trova songs dealt with love and patriotism. Major trovadores in the development of trova include composer and guitarist Pepe Sánchez (1856-1918), known as the father of trova and bolero, singer-songwriter and guitarist Sindo Garay (1867-1968) and notable political composer, singer and guitarist Carlos Puebla (1917-1989). The most well-known musician to emerge from Cuba's trova tradition is Compay Segundo (1907-2003), who catapulted to belated international fame in the mid-'90s as a consequence of his involvement with the phenomenally successful Buena Vista Social Club. New song (nueva canción) is a vehicle of political expression developed in Argentina and Chile during the '60s. Prime movers in the nueva canción movement included Argentine singer and activist Mercedes Sosa (1935-2009) and Chilean singer-songwriters Violeta Parra (1917-1967) and Victor Jara (1932-1973). Nueva trova, the Cuban branch of nueva canción, emerged in the late '60s and peaked in the '70s; its principal proponents include singer-songwriters Pablo Milanés, Silvio Rodríguez and Carlos Varela. Puebla's career straddled both trova and nueva trova. - John Child