Carminha Mascarenhas

Origin

Muzambinho, MG

Also known as

Cármina Allegretti

Years active

1953–2002

Genres

bossa nova, samba, mpb

Instruments

voice

Biography

Cármina Allegretti, known as Carminha Mascarenhas, was a Brazilian singer born in Muzambinho, Minas Gerais, on April 14, 1930. She passed away in Rio de Janeiro on January 16, 2012. Mascarenhas began her career in the church choir in Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais, and later became a primary school teacher. Her musical journey truly took flight when she joined the ensemble of José Maria as a crooner, performing alongside pianist Raul Mascarenhas, whom she married in 1952.

Mascarenhas's career gained significant momentum in the golden age of Brazilian radio. She released her first record in 1953 and was hired by Rádio Nacional two years later. Her discography includes a solo LP released in 1959, featuring the song "Eu Não Existo Sem Você" by Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes. She also participated in the show "Ary Barroso, 1960," alongside the composer and the musical group Os Cariocas.

Beyond her solo work, Carminha Mascarenhas was a prominent member of "As Eternas Cantoras do Rádio" (The Eternal Radio Singers), a group that celebrated the legacy of female vocalists from Brazil's radio era. This collective included other notable artists such as Carmélia Alves, Ellen de Lima, and Violeta Cavalcanti. Her career also extended to acting, with appearances in films and documentaries. Mascarenhas's contributions to Brazilian music solidify her place as an important figure in the country's rich musical history.