Elis Regina | Artist
Elis Regina Carvalho Costa was a Brazilian jazz and bossa nova singer born 1945 in Porte Alegre, Brazil. She remains a legendary figure in the history of Brazilian music for her impact on the country's music scene and her status as one of the most influential singers in Brazilian popular music. Elis Regina's career began at a young age when she won a children's talent show on a local radio station. Her exceptional vocal talent was immediately apparent, and it wasn't long before she began performing on television and attracting attention from the Brazilian music industry. In 1965, she released her first album Viva a Brotolândia which showcased her powerful and versatile voice, as well as her ability to interpret a wide range of musical styles. Regina's breakthrough came with her performance at the first International Song Festival in 1965, where she performed "Arrastão" by Edu Lobo and Vinícius de Moraes. Her electrifying performance not only won her the festival but also catapulted her to national fame. The song became an instant hit, and Regina's rendition is considered one of the most iconic moments in Brazilian music history. Throughout her career, Regina's vocal abilities and emotional delivery set her apart as a true artist. She possessed a remarkable ability to infuse every song with raw emotion, drawing audiences in with her captivating stage presence and heartfelt performances. Her voice was characterized by its clarity, range, and agility, allowing her to effortlessly navigate a diverse repertoire of songs, from bossa nova and samba to jazz and rock. One of Regina's most significant collaborations was with Brazilian songwriter and musician Antonio Carlos Jobim. Their partnership resulted in the 1974 album Elis & Tom, a timeless masterpiece that showcased Regina's interpretive skills and Jobim's exceptional songwriting. The album featured classic tracks such as "Águas de Março" and "Corcovado," and solidified Regina's reputation as a consummate interpreter of Brazilian popular music. Her discography includes a wide array of styles and genres, reflecting her willingness to experiment and push musical boundaries. Standout album releases include ..Em pleno verão (1970), Ela (1971), Elis (1972), Elis (1973), Elis & Tom (1974), Falso brilhante (1976), Elis (1977), Saudade do Brasil (1980), and the live album from 1978 Transversal do tempo. Tragically, Elis Regina's life was cut short when she passed away at the age of 36 on January 19, 1982, from an excess of Cocaine and tranquilisers. Her untimely death shook the Brazilian music community and left a void that has never been fully filled. Her contributions to the genre have earned her a place among the all-time greats, and her influence can be heard in the work of countless contemporary artists. Regina, who was nicknamed "hurricane" and "little pepper" was protected by her popularity from reprisal by Brazil's military when she criticized the regime while on tour in Europe. She was threatened with imprisonment unless she sang the Brazilian national anthem at an event honoring the anniversary of the coup.
Artist Website: wikipedia/Elis_Regina
Featured Albums: Elis Regina
Related Artists: Jair Rodrigues, Antônio Carlos Jobim
