Marília Batista

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

samba, MPB

Instruments

voice

Biography

Marília Monteiro de Barros Batista was born in Rio de Janeiro on April 13, 1918. A singer, songwriter, and talented instrumentalist, she became known for her deep vocal timbre and for being one of the greatest interpreters and promoters of Noel Rosa's work. During her lifetime, she even recorded in a duet with Noel himself six of his iconic songs, such as De Babado, Cem Mil Réis, Provei, Quantos Beijos, Você Vai Se Quiser, and Quem Ri Melhor.

In addition to her prominent role as an interpreter, Marília Batista also established herself as a resourceful songwriter. One of the major milestones of her career as a creator was the release, in 1940, of the classic Silêncio de Um Minuto, a work released shortly after Noel Rosa's passing. Her skill in composition also yielded memorable sambas, such as Menina Fricote, a partnership with Henrique Batista that was immortalized in the voice of the celebrated Araci de Almeida.

Throughout her artistic journey, Marília also left her mark in national cinema, participating in productions such as Maria Bonita (1937), É Proibido Sonhar (1944) — performing as part of the group A Três Marias —, Dorinha no Soçaite (1957), and Cordiais Saudações (1968). Her dedication to the preservation and dissemination of Brazilian popular music cements her as a fundamental figure of the golden age of radio and Rio de Janeiro samba.

Discography

• Poeta da Vila (Sambas de Noel Rosa) (1952)
• Samba e Outras Coisas (1956)
• Samba e Outras Coisas ..., Vol. 1 (1956)
• Sua Personalidade... Sua Bossa... (1960)
• História Musical de Noel Rosa - Volumes 1 E 2 (1963)
• Noel Rosa Especial, Vol.1 (1977)
• Noel Rosa Especial, Vol.2 (1977)
• História Musical de Noel Rosa (1996)