Amélia Rabello

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Maria Amelia Baptista Rabello

Years Active

1972

Genres

samba, choro

Instruments

voice, accordion

Biography

Amélia Rabello is a Brazilian singer, born in Rio de Janeiro on April 30, 1955. The heir to a rich family musical tradition, she is the sister of renowned acoustic guitarist Raphael Rabello and cavaquinho player Luciana Rabello. Her artistic journey began early, initially studying the accordion before dedicating herself to singing. Amélia honed her musical studies at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media in Germany, where she stayed during 1976. Upon returning to Brazil, she consolidated her career in Brazilian popular music, with a strong inclination toward samba and choro.

Her career gained prominence starting in the 1980s, with participations in various projects and recordings. In 1986, she shared the stage with Paulinho da Viola in the "Projeto Seis e Meia" and traveled with Raphael Rabello and Toquinho to the "Corsica Music Festival" in France. In 1989, she released her debut solo album, "Ruas que sonhei", which featured the participation of her brother Raphael Rabello and arrangements by Cristóvão Bastos. The record was later released in Japan. Amélia also worked as a backing vocalist on Paulinho da Viola's national tour and participated in record releases by Raphael Rabello.

Throughout her career, Amélia Rabello has released acclaimed albums such as "Saravá Brasil" (1994), "Todas as Canções" (2002), the latter bringing together the authored work of Raphael Rabello, and "A Delicadeza que Vem Desses Sons" (2011). Her interpretation is marked by a special timbre, great intonation, and a deep connection with the traditions of samba and choro, paying homage to composers such as Paulo César Pinheiro, Baden Powell, and Caetano Veloso, who dedicated the song "Samba para Amélia" to her. Since 2006, Amélia has also dedicated herself to teaching, giving singing lessons at the Escola Portátil de Música in Rio de Janeiro.

Discography

• Amélia Rabello (1989)
• Saravá Brasil (1993)
• Raphael Rabello, Amélia Rabello – Todas as Canções (2001)
• A Delicadeza que Vem Desses Sons (2011)