Leny Eversong

Origin

Santos, SP

Also known as

Hilda Campos Soares da Silva

Years active

1932–1983

Genres

mpb, samba-exaltação, pop standards

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Leny Eversong, born Hilda Campos Soares da Silva in Santos, was a celebrated Brazilian singer renowned for her powerful voice and her mastery of international repertoire. She began her musical journey as a child prodigy, winning a talent contest at the age of twelve before moving to Rio de Janeiro in the late 1930s to perform on prominent radio stations and in luxury venues. Although her early career took time to build momentum, her fortunes changed dramatically in the 1950s when she became one of the highest-paid radio stars in Brazil following the inauguration of Rádio Mundial.

Her remarkable vocal talents eventually propelled her onto the international stage, leading to acclaimed performances in major cities across the United States, including Las Vegas, and a historic appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show alongside Elvis Presley. Though initially criticized in Brazil for focusing heavily on foreign music, she also recorded works by celebrated national composers such as Lupicínio Rodrigues, Tom Jobim, and Adoniran Barbosa. Alongside artists like Cauby Peixoto, she cemented her legacy as a versatile performer capable of singing fluently in English, Spanish, French, and Italian while maintaining deep roots in Brazilian musical culture.

In the 1970s, Eversong gradually withdrew from the spotlight following the mysterious disappearance of her husband, which plunged her into profound personal grief and financial distress. Despite her eventual seclusion and health struggles related to diabetes, she left an indelible mark on the golden age of Brazilian radio and international crossover performance. Her legendary status endures through recordings that captured her extraordinary vocal range and her pioneering presence on global stages.