Helena de Lima

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1940–1977

Genres

samba, mpb, bolero

Instruments

voice

Biography

Helena de Lima was a renowned Brazilian singer and songwriter, born in Rio de Janeiro. Her artistic career began in the 1940s, when she was discovered by radio broadcaster César Ladeira while performing as an amateur on Rádio Nacional, a station where she would later join the main cast.

Throughout her career, she stood out as a crooner in traditional nightclubs along the Rio-São Paulo axis, such as the Pigalle and Cangaceiro nightclubs, where she gave memorable performances that resulted in live-recorded LPs. In these bohemian spaces, she shared the spotlight of the music scene of the era with great names such as singer Elizeth Cardoso, solidifying her place in the national artistic scene.

Her discography spanned several successful 78 rpm records and LPs, with prominent appearances on networks such as TV Paulista and Rádio e TV Record. Among her most notable recordings is her interpretation of the marcha-rancho "Estão Voltando as Flores", composed by Paulinho Soledade. She spent her final years at Retiro dos Artistas, in the capital of Rio de Janeiro, passing away in 2022.