Lilian Knapp

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Sílvia Lílian Barrie Knapp, Lílian

Years Active

1965–2025

Genres

rock and roll, música romântica, pop, jovem guarda

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Sílvia Lílian Barrie Knapp, known artistically as Lilian Knapp or simply Lílian, was a Brazilian singer and songwriter who left her mark on the country's popular music, especially during the Jovem Guarda movement. Born in Rio de Janeiro on March 30, 1948, Lilian began her musical career in her teens, forming the duo Leno & Lílian in 1965 alongside Leno Azevedo. The partnership quickly achieved great success, scoring hits such as "Pobre Menina" and "Devolva-me", the latter composed by Lilian and Renato Barros.

In 1966, Lilian stood out for being the first woman to compose an original rock song in Portuguese, titled "O Pica Pau", which was recorded by Erasmo Carlos. Following the end of the first phase of the duo Leno & Lílian in 1967, Lilian dedicated herself to personal projects and returned to the music scene in 1972 with Leno, releasing a few more works before pursuing a solo career starting in 1974. Throughout her solo trajectory, Lilian scored hits such as "Sou Rebelde", a Portuguese version of the song "Soy Rebelde", which became an anthem for a generation.

Throughout her career, Lilian Knapp recorded over 370 songs, which were interpreted by various artists. She also worked as a backing vocalist for names like Gal Costa and composed for other artists. In 2008, she launched the underground rock project "Kynna" with her husband, drummer Cadu Nolla. Lilian passed away on February 22, 2025, in São Paulo, following a battle against an aggressive pelvic tumor, leaving behind an expressive musical legacy.

Discography

• Lilian (1979)
• Lilian (1992)
• Lilian Knapp (2001)