Chilean folk music varies geographically, with northern, central, and southern Chile each having unique folk music styles. Central Chilean folk music is the best known. The Parra family made major contributions to Chilean culture as renowned artists, including the folk singer Violeta Parra. Born in 1917, Violeta Parra was a member of the Parra family and famous for her song "Gracias a la Vida." She was also politically active in the Nueva canción movement of the 1950s-1960s, using folk music to promote progressive and political messages.