Ellis Regina

Known for her impassioned singing and contagious energy, singer Elis Regina gained national and international fame as one of Brazil's most beloved artists. Born in 1945 in Porto Alegre, Elis became one of the most influential artists in the transition from the bossa nova and Tropicália sounds of the 1960s to the era of MPB in the 70s, and had many of Brazil's noted composers vying to have her record their songs. Despite her all-too brief time on the planet, Elis was regarded as the most important singer of her time.

Elis began her singing career at age eleven, appearing on several radio and television programs, signed her first record deal at age thirteen, and went on to win prizes for her performances at local music festivals. She later relocated to Rio de Janeiro and pursued a thriving career on stage as well as on records. Her seminal work includes the recording of several albums by celebrated composers such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, with whom she recorded one of the most popular bossa nova albums of all time, Elis & Tom, in 1974. Elis also became a television star and co-hosted several shows including O Fino da Bossa (The Best of Bossa) and Som Livre Exportação (Free Sound Exportation) between the late 60s and early 70s. Known for her unorthodox performing style (largely due to her need to overcome excruciating stage fright), Elis caused a sensation on stage when she sang the controversial song "Arrastao" while tears streamed down her face. Her talents also lead her to uncover many of Brazil's most celebrated new songwriters, among them Ivan Lins, Milton Nascimento and João Bosco, many of whom she helped by being the first to record their songs.

Elis married several times and gave birth to three children while continuing her active (and often stressful) career, but found the difficulties of balancing home and professional life overwhelming. Her substance abuse and subsequent drug addiction would eventually take their toll on the celebrated singer, and she died of an overdose in 1982 at age 36. Several days later in São Paulo, hundreds of thousands of Brazilians came to pay tribute to the legendary artist in an all-star performance by some of the country's biggest stars. For many years afterward and onto today, Elis Regina has remained as one of Brazil's most beloved singers. —Rebeca Mauleon