Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa on respirator

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Famed Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa is hospitalized in guarded condition and breathing with the help of a respirator.

The state news agency Telam quotes officials at the Trinidad Clinic as saying that Sosa is suffering from progressive kidney failure. The 74-year-old "voice of Latin America" was hospitalized 12 days ago with liver problems.

A news release from the clinic mentioned only the liver problems, and a person who answered the telephone at the medical center declined to comment further.

Sosa was nominated last month for three Latin Grammy awards for her latest album "Cantora 1."

The awards will be presented on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas.

Sosa has recorded more than 70 albums. Her signature song is "Gracias a la vida," or "Thanks to Life."