Amélia

Amália, born Amália da Piedade Rodrigues, was a Portuguese singer who became an internationally renowned icon of Fado music. Born in Lisbon in 1920, she began her career performing in local taverns before being discovered by the composer Frederico Valério. Her powerful voice and emotional delivery quickly propelled her to fame, and she is widely credited with popularizing Fado beyond Portugal's borders.

Throughout her extensive career, Amália recorded numerous albums and performed in sold-out venues across the globe, from Carnegie Hall in New York to the Olympia in Paris. Her repertoire included traditional Fado songs as well as more contemporary compositions, often with lyrics by prominent Portuguese poets. She became known as "The Queen of Fado" and her distinctive style, characterized by its passion and melancholy, defined the genre for generations.

Amália's influence extended beyond music; she also appeared in films and was a significant cultural figure in Portugal. Her work helped preserve and modernize Fado, ensuring its survival and appeal. She passed away in 1999, leaving behind a legacy as one of Portugal's most beloved and influential artists. Her music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by audiences worldwide.