Beth Carvalho
- Origin
- Rio de Janeiro, RJ
- Years active
- 1965–2019
- Genres
- samba, pagode, MPB, bossa nova
- Instruments
- vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo
Biography
Beth Carvalho was a legendary Brazilian singer, songwriter, and musician who became one of the most important figures in the history of samba. Born in Rio de Janeiro, she began her career in the mid-1960s heavily influenced by the Bossa Nova movement and artists like João Gilberto. However, she found her true calling in the traditional samba circles of Rio, eventually earning the title 'Madrinha do Samba' (Godmother of Samba) for her tireless work in discovering and promoting new talent.\n\nHer breakthrough came in 1968 with the song 'Andança,' which won third place at the International Song Festival and remains one of the most beloved classics of Brazilian popular music. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Carvalho became a bridge between the old guard of samba composers—such as Cartola and Nelson Cavaquinho—and the emerging 'pagode' scene centered around the Cacique de Ramos carnival block. She was responsible for launching the careers of icons like Zeca Pagodinho, Arlindo Cruz, and the group Fundo de Quintal.\n\nBeyond her vocal talent, she was a pioneer in instrumentation, introducing the banjo with cavaquinho tuning, the tantã, and the repique de mão into mainstream recordings, which forever changed the sound of modern samba. Despite facing severe spinal health issues in her later years, she continued to perform, famously delivering concerts while lying in a bed. Carvalho was also a deeply political artist, frequently using her platform to support social movements and democratic causes in Brazil until her passing in 2019.