Angela Ro Ro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1971–2025

Genres

MPB, pop, rock

Instruments

piano, harmonica, vocals

Biography

Angela Ro Ro, born Angela Maria Diniz Gonsalves in Rio de Janeiro, was a prominent Brazilian singer, songwriter, and pianist celebrated for her distinctive raspy voice and intense artistic persona. Recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the greatest voices in Brazilian music, she began studying classical piano at a young age while drawing early inspiration from icons such as Elis Regina. During the military dictatorship of the 1970s, she lived in Europe—including stints in Italy and London—where she immersed herself in the local counterculture and performed in pubs. Her notable early contributions included playing the harmonica on Caetano Veloso's landmark 1971 album Transa.

Upon returning to Rio de Janeiro, Ro Ro established herself in the local nightlife before releasing her self-titled debut album in 1979 under Polygram. The record became a Brazilian Popular Music classic, featuring enduring compositions like "Amor, Meu Grande Amor" and "Gota de Sangue." Throughout the 1980s, she released several acclaimed albums such as Só Nos Resta Viver and Escândalo!, cementing her reputation for blending raw emotional vulnerability with a fierce, uncompromising temperament. Over subsequent decades, she continued to record and tour, releasing works like Acertei no Milênio and Feliz da Vida!, while collaborating with numerous luminaries across the Brazilian music scene.

Her illustrious career spanned over four decades, during which her songs were recorded by celebrated interpreters including Maria Bethânia, Ney Matogrosso, and Marina Lima. Known just as much for her powerful piano-driven performances as for her tumultuous public life, Ro Ro remained a singular figure in MPB until her passing in September 2025 in her native Rio de Janeiro. Her enduring artistic legacy continues to influence subsequent generations of singer-songwriters who draw inspiration from her uncompromising lyricism and bold delivery.

Discography

• Angela Ro Ro (1979)
• Só nos Resta Viver (1980)
• Escândalo (1981)
• Simples Carinho (1982)
• A Vida É Mesmo... Assim (1984)
• Eu Desatino (1985)
• Prova de Amor (1988)
• Ao Vivo (Nosso Amor ao Armagedon) (1993)
• Ao Vivo (1993)
• Acertei no Milênio (2000)
• Compasso (2006)
• Angela Ro Ro Ao Vivo (2006)
• Feliz da Vida! (2013)
• A Arte de Angela RoRo (2015)
• Selvagem (2017)