Singer. Called the "Queen of Baiao", she was one of her country's most popular vocalists over a long career. Born Carmelia Alves Curvello, little is recorded of her early years save that she began singing on radio around 1940 and was soon performing at Rio de Janeiro's Hotel Copacabana, initially presenting the Carnival hits of the day. Carmelia released her first record, "Deixei do Sofrer", in 1943 and gradually began specializing in Baiao, music inspired by the folk rhythms of northeastern Brazil. Partnered by her friend Luiz Gonzaga and by Jimmy Lester, her husband of more than 50 years, she toured Europe and North America as well as Brazil, had a hit with 1950's "Sabia na Gaiola", cut several best selling albums, and in the 1950s was seen on the silver screen a few times. Despite the waning international popularity of Latin music Carmelia retained her drawing power at home and in 1988 even found a new audience with her appearances on "Cantoras do Radio". Depressed for a time following her husband's 1998 death, she began singing again two years later and maintained her career as long as she was able. Long afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease she died of cancer with a number of her records still in print.
Singer. Called the "Queen of Baiao", she was one of her country's most popular vocalists over a long career. Born Carmelia Alves Curvello, little is recorded of her early years save that she began singing on radio around 1940 and was soon performing at Rio de Janeiro's Hotel Copacabana, initially presenting the Carnival hits of the day. Carmelia released her first record, "Deixei do Sofrer", in 1943 and gradually began specializing in Baiao, music inspired by the folk rhythms of northeastern Brazil. Partnered by her friend Luiz Gonzaga and by Jimmy Lester, her husband of more than 50 years, she toured Europe and North America as well as Brazil, had a hit with 1950's "Sabia na Gaiola", cut several best selling albums, and in the 1950s was seen on the silver screen a few times. Despite the waning international popularity of Latin music Carmelia retained her drawing power at home and in 1988 even found a new audience with her appearances on "Cantoras do Radio". Depressed for a time following her husband's 1998 death, she began singing again two years later and maintained her career as long as she was able. Long afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease she died of cancer with a number of her records still in print.
Bio by: Bob Hufford
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