Gretchen

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Maria Odete Brito de Miranda de Souza, Maria Odete Brito de Miranda

Years Active

1976

Genres

pop, tropical drainage, children's music, brega

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Maria Odete Brito de Miranda de Souza, widely known as Gretchen, was born in Rio de Janeiro and built one of the most striking trajectories in Brazilian pop music and popular culture. Nationally known as the "Queen of the Rebolado," she emerged in the late 1970s with resounding hits that mixed dance rhythms and Latin influences, immortalizing hits like "Conga, Conga, Conga," "Freak le Boom Boom," and "Melô do Piripipi." Over the course of nearly four decades of a musical career, she sold millions of records and solidified herself as one of the most emblematic artists of her generation, blazing trails in performance and dance on Brazilian television.

In addition to her solid discography full of gold and platinum records, Gretchen stood out for the constant reinvention of her public image and for her strong presence in variety shows hosted by historical figures like Silvio Santos and Chacrinha. Her influence on pop culture extended beyond traditional stages, consolidating her in subsequent decades as a sought-after reality show personality and an absolute phenomenon of social media and internet memes in Brazil. She also shares artistic family ties with her sister, singer Sula Miranda, maintaining a lasting legacy in national music and entertainment.

In recent years, Gretchen has remained active in the media, participating in various television shows and biographical projects, in addition to getting involved in agendas related to digital rights and defending her public image against the misuse of artificial intelligence. Between biographical books, business ventures abroad, and stints in politics, she continues to be revered as an intergenerational icon of Brazilian music and pop culture.

Discography

• My Name Is Gretchen (1979)
• You And Me (1981)
• Lonely (1982)
• Gretchen (1983)
• Latino Americana (1987)
• Gypsy (1988)
• Cheiro e Chamego (1990)
• Vem Me Ver (1993)
• Sexy, Charme e Dance (1995)
• Jesus Dance (1996)
• Vivendo e Cantando pra Jesus (A Nova Gretchen) (1997)
• La Pasión (2000)
• Me Deixa Louca (2001)
• De Conga a Coração: Canta Dorgival Dantas (2009)
• Gretchen e Rody (2016)
• Freak Le Boom Boom (Remixes) (2026)