Mabel Velloso

Origin

Santo Amaro, BA

Years Active

1980

Genres

poetry, brazilian popular music, samba, baião, ijexá, maxixe, toada, xote, bossa nova, song, waltz

Biography

Maria Isabel Viana Teles Velloso, known as Mabel Velloso, was born in Santo Amaro da Purificação, Bahia, on February 14, 1934. She is an educator, writer, composer, and cordel literature writer, daughter of José Teles Veloso and Claudionor Viana Teles Veloso (Dona Canô), and sister of renowned artists Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia. Her career is marked by a deep connection with culture and art, having taught for over 40 years in public schools in Santo Amaro and Salvador.

Mabel Velloso began her literary career in 1980 with the publication of her first book of poetry, "Pedras do Seixos", with a preface by Aninha Franco and funded by her sister, Maria Bethânia. Over the years, she has established herself as a prolific author, with more than 35 books published across various genres, including poetry, biographies of artists such as Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil, and children's works. Her poetic work has been set to music by various artists, including her daughter Belô Velloso and her sister Maria Bethânia.

In addition to her work as a writer and educator, Mabel Velloso is also recognized for her contribution to Brazilian music. She has composed several songs, many of which were recorded by her daughter Belô and by Maria Bethânia. In 2004, she recorded the CD "Brincar de Rezar" alongside Maria Bethânia and the Meninas Cantoras de Petrópolis. Her poetic work continues to inspire musicians, as evidenced in the album "Meu Recôncavo - Samba & Poesia", by Paulo Costta, who set Mabel's poems to music, featuring the participation of members of the Velloso family.