Milena

Origin

Juazeiro, BA

Years Active

1968–2020

Genres

samba, MPB

Biography

Milena (born November 5, 1942, in Juazeiro, Bahia – died June 1, 2020, in São Paulo) was a Brazilian samba singer whose career began in the late 1960s. She first appeared on record in 1968 with a single featuring versions of two foreign songs.

In the mid-1970s, Milena signed with the Odeon record label, a move that was seen as an opportunity to fill the void left by Clara Nunes, who was considering a move to a rival label. However, Nunes ultimately stayed with Odeon, and the label's investment in Milena's debut album, "Sorriso Aberto" (1975), was limited, which consequently hindered her career's momentum.

Despite the lack of major label support, Milena continued to release music, including a single in 1976. In 1977, she collaborated with the renowned singer-songwriter João do Vale on an itinerant show across Brazil, sponsored by Funarte. This period of touring helped to legitimize her as an artist, though her recording career saw limited further releases. Milena passed away at the age of 77 due to cardiac arrest, a complication of pulmonary fibrosis.

Discography

• Sorriso Aberto (1975)
• Milena (1979)
• O Gosto do Amor (1987)
• Alaide Costa, Célia (2), Cida Moreira, Fabiana Cozza, Milena – Elas Cantam Paulinho da Viola (2009)
• Milena & João do Vale – Ao Vivo (2023)