Araci Costa

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Araci Cortes Costa de Almeida

Years Active

1948–1976

Genres

samba, carnival marchinha, baião, rumba, fox, guarânia, mambo-rock, bolero-mambo

Instruments

voice, orchestra

Biography

Araci Costa, whose real name was Araci Cortes Costa de Almeida, was a Brazilian female singer who left her mark on the country's popular music. Born in Rio de Janeiro on December 3, 1932, she began her artistic career as a child, working in circuses. Her musical journey began to take shape in 1948, when she participated in the contest "A procura de uma Lady Crooner", promoted by Rádio Clube do Brasil, which was looking for a female singer for Napoleão Tavares's orchestra. Shortly after, she won Renato Murce's rookie show program "Papel Carbono", which earned her a contract with Rádio Nacional.

Her career flourished rapidly, passing through important broadcasters such as Rádio Guanabara and Rádio Tupi, where she was brought by the renowned composer Haroldo Barbosa. In 1950, she made her recording debut with the Todamérica record label, releasing baiões such as "Obalalá" and "Rio Vermelho". Araci Costa stood out in the musical scene with carnival hits, such as the marchinha "Papai me disse", by Peterpan and José Batista, which achieved great success in 1952. Her versatility led her to tour Argentina and Uruguay with maestro Carioca's orchestra, and later the United States as the crooner of Ary Barroso's orchestra.

The year 1955 was a milestone in her career, when she was elected the "Best Female Singer of Emissoras Associadas", consolidating her artistic peak. Throughout her trajectory, she recorded around 28 78 rpm and single records for the Todamérica, Columbia, RCA Victor, and Continental record labels. Araci Costa was also elected Carnival Queen in 1960, with the success of the samba "Favela Amarela". She passed away prematurely on October 29, 1976, in Rio de Janeiro, leaving an important legacy in Brazilian music, especially in the samba and carnival marchinha genres.