Angela Maria

Origin

Macaé, RJ

Also known as

Abelim Maria da Cunha

Years Active

1947–2018

Genres

MPB, samba-canção, radio music

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Angela Maria, born Abelim Maria da Cunha, was one of the most prominent singers and actresses in the history of Brazilian popular music, celebrated as a towering figure of the Golden Age of Radio. Hailing from Macaé in the state of Rio de Janeiro, she rose from humble beginnings—overcoming her father's strict religious opposition—to become one of the country's best-selling artists, recording dozens of albums and selling millions of copies throughout her legendary career. Crowned Queen of Radio in 1954, her rich, harmonious voice and emotive interpretations of samba-canção standards cemented her status as a national icon, earning the admiration of international figures and inspiring generations of artists.

Over a career spanning decades, she shared stages and collaborations with numerous greats of Brazilian music, including Cauby Peixoto, Ney Matogrosso, and Gal Costa. Her vast discography features timeless interpretations of classics such as "Babalu" and "Gente Humilde," making her a defining voice in MPB. Beyond her musical achievements on radio, television, and records, she also appeared in numerous films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, further expanding her cultural footprint.

Even amidst personal hardships, health struggles, and professional betrayals, Angela Maria maintained an enduring connection with her vast public until her passing in São Paulo in 2018. Her legacy continues to be revered by critics and fans alike, remembered forever through tributes from artists such as Milton Nascimento, Djavan, and Roberto Carlos. Her profound impact on Brazilian culture remains an immutable pillar of national musical heritage.

Discography

• Rainha do Rádio, Vol. 1 (1955)
• A Rainha Canta (1955)
• Rainha do Rádio, Vol. 2 (1956)
• Angela Maria Apresenta (1956)
• Rainha do Rádio, Vol. 3 (1956)
• Rainha do Rádio, Vol. 4 (1956)
• Isto é Angela Maria (1956)
• Quandos os Maestros Se Encontram com Angela Maria (1957)
• Para Você Ouvir e Dançar (1958)
• Quando os Astros Se Encontram (1958)
• Angela Maria (1959)
• Ângela Maria Apresenta Fernando César e Seus Amigos (1959)
• Não Tenho Você (1961)
• (Uma Voz para Milhões) Quando a Noite Vem (1961)
• Incomparável (1962)
• Presença (1963)
• Angela, a Maior Maria (1964)
• Angela Maria Canta para o Mundo (1964)
• Angela Maria Canta para o Mundo, Vol. 2 (1964)
• Angela de Todos os Temas (1970)
• Angela (1972)
• Angela Maria e Cauby Peixoto no Canecão (1976)
• Os Mais Famosos Fados (1977)
• Os Mais Famosos Tangos (1977)
• Com Amor e Carinho (1978)
• Angela & Timóteo, Juntos (1979)
• 1987 (1987)
• Angela e Cauby Ao Vivo (1992)
• Amigos (1996)
• A Estrela do Brasil (1996)
• Pela Saudade que Me invade (Um tributo a Dalva de Oliveira) (1997)
• Mestres da MPB (2000)
• Gracias e Outros (2002)
• Mientes Mientes (2004)
• Ya No Creo En Ti (2005)
• Porque El Amor Es Asi (2009)
• Eu Voltei (2011)
• Por Ellos Y para Ellos (2011)
• Reencontro (2013)
• À Vontade em Voz e Violão (2015)
• Disco de Ouro (2015)
• Angela Maria e as Canções de Roberto & Erasmo (2017)
• O Melhor (2023)
• Quando a Chuva Chegar - Brazilian Songbook (2026)