Elis Regina was a Brazilian singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. She is widely considered to be one of the greatest interpreters of Brazilian popular music and is often referred to as “Queen of MPB” (Brazilian Popular Music). Her powerful voice and emotive performances made her a beloved figure in Brazil and around the world.
Elis Regina was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil on March 17, 1945. She began singing at a young age and made her professional debut at the age of 15 on a local radio station. In the early 1960s, she moved to Rio de Janeiro where she began to make a name for herself in the music scene. Her big break came in 1965 when she performed at the first edition of the Festival de MPB (Brazilian Popular Music Festival) in TV Record. Her performance of “Arrastão” by Edu Lobo and Guilherme de Brito was a sensation and earned her the award for Best New Artist.
Her Career Breakthrough
From that point on, Elis Regina’s career took off. She became one of the most popular and respected singers in Brazil, releasing a string of successful albums and singles. She was known for her powerful voice and her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her music. She was also known for her versatility, tackling a wide range of styles including MPB, jazz, and soul. Regina was not only a singer but also an actress, she acted in the telenovela “Casa de Praia” (Beach House) in 1970. She was also a political activist, using her platform to speak out against the military dictatorship that ruled Brazil at the time.
In 1977, Regina released her album “Elis & Tom”, a collaboration with Brazilian singer Tom Jobim, which was a huge commercial and critical success. The album featured some of Jobim’s most famous songs, including “Águas de Março” and “Corcovado”. This album won the Grammy award for Best Latin Recording.
Elis Regina had many notable concerts throughout her career, but some of her most significant performances include:
Festival de MPB (Brazilian Popular Music Festival) in TV Record: This was her big break, her performance of “Arrastão” by Edu Lobo and Guilherme de Brito earned her the award for Best New Artist and put her on the map.
Canecão, in 1972: She performed at the Canecão, one of the most iconic venues in Rio de Janeiro, and this concert was considered one of her best. The concert was recorded and released as the live album “Elis Regina in Concert” which was a huge commercial success.
Carnegie Hall, in 1975: Regina became the first Brazilian singer to perform at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall, which was a huge accomplishment. This concert was recorded and released as the album “Elis Regina Live at Carnegie Hall” which was highly acclaimed.
Elis & Tom, in 1977: This was a collaboration with Brazilian singer Tom Jobim, which was a huge commercial and critical success. The album featured some of Jobim’s most famous songs and the concert tour was a huge success.
Águas de Março, in 1981: The concert was held in the Teatro João Caetano in Rio de Janeiro, it was her last big concert, the concert was recorded and released as a live album which was a huge success.
These concerts showcase her powerful voice and emotive performances and demonstrate her versatility, tackling a wide range of styles including MPB, jazz, and soul. Her ability to connect with her audience and deliver unforgettable performances made her a beloved figure in Brazil and around the world.
Personal Live and Drug Problems
Elis Regina had a tumultuous personal life, marked by drug addiction and a series of tumultuous relationships. She was married twice, first to Ronaldo Bôscoli, a Brazilian singer and songwriter, with whom she had a daughter, Adriana. Her second marriage was to Carlos Alberto Semenzato, with whom she had a son, João Marcos.
Regina struggled with drug addiction for much of her career, particularly in the 1970s. According to reports, she had been using marijuana and cocaine for several years when she entered a clinic in 1977 for treatment of her addiction. Despite her struggles, Regina continued to perform and record music. However, her drug use took a toll on her health, her voice, and her career.
On January 19, 1982, Regina was found dead in her apartment in São Paulo, Brazil. The cause of death was a drug overdose. Her death was a shock to her fans and to the Brazilian music scene. Her passing was a huge loss, not only for her family and friends but also for the millions of fans around the world who had come to love her music and her powerful performances.
Conclusion
Elis Regina’s career was cut short when she died of a drug overdose on January 19, 1982, at the age of 36. Her death was a huge loss to the Brazilian music scene and to her millions of fans around the world.
Her death was not only a loss for the music industry but also highlighted the issue of drug addiction and its consequences. Her death was a tragedy that could have been prevented if the right support had been provided.
Regina’s legacy, however, lives on through her music. Her powerful voice and emotive performances continue to be remembered and celebrated by music fans around the world. Her influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary Brazilian artists and her music continues to be enjoyed by generations of music lovers.
References
- Elis Regina, Official Website. (n.d.). Elis Regina. [online] Available at: https://www.elisregina.com.br/biografia/ [Accessed 28 Jan. 2023]
- All Music. (n.d.). Elis Regina. [online] Available at: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/elis-regina-mn0000205761/biography [Accessed 28 Jan. 2023]
- Rolling Stone. (n.d.). Elis Regina. [online] Available at: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/elis-regina/biography [Accessed 28 Jan. 2023]
.jpg){kind=link}