Emilinha Borba

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Emília Savana da Silva Borba

Years Active

1937–2005

Genres

samba, marcha, choro

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Emilia Savana da Silva Borba, known professionally as Emilinha Borba, was one of the most popular Brazilian singers of the 20th century, specializing in samba, marcha, and choro. Born in the Mangueira neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, she began her artistic journey as a teenager, performing in amateur radio programs and winning acclaim on shows hosted by Ary Barroso. Guided early on by her artistic godmother Carmen Miranda, she secured a position as a crooner at the prestigious Cassino da Urca, marking the true beginning of her professional career. Her undeniable charisma and powerful vocal delivery quickly won over audiences across the country.

Throughout the golden age of Brazilian radio, Emilinha became the undisputed superstar of Rádio Nacional, where she remained under contract for 27 years. She achieved massive fame, winning the title of "Rainha do Rádio" (Queen of Radio) in 1953 after years of fierce, highly publicized competition and rivalries with peers like Marlene and Linda Batista. Her passionate fan base was legendary, often greeting her with municipal keys and ticker-tape parades whenever she visited different Brazilian cities. Alongside her radio success, she recorded numerous hits such as "Chiquita Bacana" and "Escandalosa," cementing her status as a cultural icon.

Despite facing health challenges later in life, including vocal cord surgeries that temporarily halted her career, Emilinha made triumphant returns to recording and performing. In her later years, she released collaborative projects with esteemed artists like Ney Matogrosso, Cauby Peixoto, and Emílio Santiago, continuing to connect directly with her loyal fans. She passed away in Rio de Janeiro in 2005 at the age of 82, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of the most beloved figures in Brazilian popular music history.

Discography

• Calendário Musical (1957)
• Emilia com Britinho e Sua Orquestra – Emilia no País dos Sucessos (1960)
• Benzinho (1963)
• Emilinha Borba, Jorge Goulart – Oh! As Marchinhas (1981)
• Força Positiva (1981)
• Presença (1989)
• Frente a Frente (1995)
• Emilinha Pinta e Borba (2000)
• Meus Primeiros Anos (2018)
• Jorge Goulart, Emilinha Borba, Gilberto Milfont – Sucessos de Carnaval (Carnaval Antigo)
• Amor de Minha Vida
• Sempre Emilinha