Elba Ramalho

Origin

Conceição, PB

Also known as

Elba Maria Nunes Ramalho

Years Active

1968

Genres

MPB, forró, frevo, baião, xote, xaxado, brazilian pop

Instruments

vocals, drums, acoustic guitar

Biography

Born in the rural area of Conceição, Paraíba, Elba Ramalho is one of Brazil's most iconic and energetic performers, known for her powerful voice and theatrical stage presence. She began her musical journey in 1968 as a drummer for the all-female group 'As Brasas' before moving to Rio de Janeiro in 1974. In the capital, she established herself as a versatile actress and singer, notably appearing in Chico Buarque's 'Ópera do Malandro' in 1978, where her performance of 'O Meu Amor' alongside Marieta Severo catapulted her to national fame.

Throughout the 1980s, Elba solidified her status as a superstar of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) and Northeastern rhythms. Her discography reflects a rich blend of forró, frevo, baião, and pop, with major hits like 'Bate Coração' and the romantic ballad 'De Volta Pro Aconchego.' She has been a frequent collaborator with other titans of Northeastern music, most notably in the acclaimed 'O Grande Encontro' project alongside Alceu Valença, Geraldo Azevedo, and her cousin Zé Ramalho. This collective effort became a landmark in Brazilian music, celebrating the sounds of the sertão and the coast.

With a career spanning over four decades and more than 10 million records sold, Elba has received numerous accolades, including two Latin Grammy Awards for her exploration of regional roots. Beyond her musical output, she remains a deeply influential and sometimes controversial figure in Brazilian public life, known for her religious devotion and political activism. She continues to be a staple performer at major Brazilian festivals, particularly the São João celebrations in Campina Grande, where she is regarded as a living legend of the genre.

Discography

• Ave de Prata (1979)
• Capim Do Vale (1980)
• Elba (1981)
• Elba Ramalho / Toquinho / Moraes Moreira – Brasil Night - Ao Vivo em Montreux (1981)
• Alegria (1982)
• Coração Brasileiro (1983)
• Elba Ramalho, Solange Maria, Antônio Carlos Nóbrega – Brincadeiras de Roda, Estórias e Canções de Ninar (1983)
• Do Jeito que a Gente Gosta (1984)
• Los Van Van, Elba Ramalho – Festival Varadero 84: Primera Noche (1984)
• Fogo na Mistura (1985)
• Remexer (1986)
• Elba (1987)
• Fruto (1988)
• Doida (1988)
• Presença (1988)
• Popular Brasileira (1989)
• Elba Ao Vivo (Ao Vivo no Palace, São Paulo, SP / 1989) (1989)
• Elba Ao Vivo (1990)
• Felicidade Urgente (1991)
• Encanto (1992)
• Trampolim (1993)
• Devora-me (1993)
• Paisagem (1995)
• Leão do Norte (1996)
• Alceu Valença - Elba Ramalho - Geraldo Azevedo - Zé Ramalho – O Grande Encontro (1996)
• Elba Ramalho, Geraldo Azevedo, Zé Ramalho – O Grande Encontro 2 (1997)
• Baioque (1997)
• O Grande Encontro II (1997)
• Elba Romântica (1997)
• Flor da Paraíba (1998)
• Solar (1999)
• Zé Ramalho, Elba Ramalho, Geraldo Azevedo – O Grande Encontro 3 (2000)
• Arquivo (2000)
• Arquivo III (2000)
• Arquivo II (2000)
• Cirandeira (2001)
• Elba Canta Luiz (2002)
• Elba Ao Vivo (2003)
• Elba Canta Luiz (Ao Vivo) (2003)
• Elba Ramalho e Dominguinhos (2005)
• Baião de Dois (2005)
• ¿Qual o Assunto que Mais Lhe Interessa? (2007)
• Balaio de Amor (2009)
• Marco Zero Ao VIvo (2010)
• São João Carioca (2012)
• Vambora Lá Dançar (2013)
• Do Meu Olhar pra Fora (2015)
• Cordas, Gonzaga e Afins (2015)
• A Arte de Elba Ramalho (2015)
• Cordas, Gonzaga e Afins (Sagrama e Encore) (2015)
• Alceu • Elba • Geraldo – O Grande Encontro 20 Anos (2016)
• Eu Sou O Caminho (2017)
• O Ouro do Pó da Estrada (2019)
• Eu e Vocês (2020)
• Festa (2021)
• Elba Ramalho no Maior São João do Mundo (Ao Vivo) (2022)
• Isso Quer Dizer Amor (2024)