Marly Marley

Origin

Três Lagoas, MS

Also known as

Marly de Toledo, Marly de Sousa

Genres

MPB, carnival

Instruments

accordion, piano, vocals

Biography

Marly Marley, born Marly de Sousa in Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso, was a prominent Brazilian artist, singer, actress, and musical critic. Throughout her multifaceted career, she made significant contributions to the golden age of Brazilian radio, television, and theater, earning recognition as a respected figure in the nation's cultural landscape. She trained in music, learning to play the accordion and piano, and participated in carnival recordings for a decade before establishing herself as a leading vedette in revue theaters.

Beyond her work on the stage, she starred in films alongside icons like Mazzaropi and appeared in television productions across several networks, including Rede Tupi and SBT. Her deep knowledge of music also led her to serve as a long-time judge on the Programa Raul Gil, where she worked alongside the renowned host from 1987 onward and became celebrated for her critical expertise. Her artistic journey intertwined with many cultural figures of her era, such as Vicente Celestino, Dercy Gonçalves, and her husband of over forty years, humorist Ary Toledo.

Marly Marley passed away in São Paulo in January 2014, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile performer and a key voice in Brazilian musical critique. Her work encompassed theatrical direction, carnival albums, and television acting, cementing her status as a cherished veteran of Brazilian entertainment culture.