Rita Lee

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Rita Lee Jones, Rita Lee Jones de Carvalho, Lita Ree

Years Active

1963–2023

Genres

rock, pop, MPB, psychedelic rock, new wave, disco, bossa nova

Instruments

vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, flute, percussion, synthesizer, banjo, harmonica

Biography

Born in São Paulo, Rita Lee established herself as the 'Queen of Brazilian Rock' and one of the most versatile figures in the country's popular music. She began her professional career in the 1960s, gaining national prominence as a member of the tropicalist group Os Mutantes, alongside Arnaldo Baptista and Sérgio Dias. During this period, she participated in historic moments of MPB, such as the performance of 'Domingo no Parque' accompanying Gilberto Gil at the TV Record festival in 1967.

After leaving Os Mutantes, Rita Lee formed the band Tutti Frutti, with which she recorded the iconic album 'Fruto Proibido' (1975). The record is considered a fundamental milestone of national rock, featuring classics like 'Ovelha Negra' and 'Agora Só Falta Você'. In the second half of the 1970s, the artist began a prolific musical and romantic partnership with guitarist Roberto de Carvalho, transitioning from rock to a sophisticated pop with enormous commercial appeal. Together, they dominated the charts with songs like 'Mania de Você', 'Lança Perfume' and 'Baila Comigo'.

In addition to her musical output, Rita Lee stood out for her irreverent and pioneering stance, addressing themes such as female agency and sexual freedom in her lyrics. Her influence extended to literature, with the publication of highly successful children's books and autobiographies, and to television. Recognized for her versatility and capacity for reinvention, she remained a fundamental reference for several generations of Brazilian artists until her passing in 2023.

Discography

• Build Up (1970)
• Hoje É o Primeiro Dia do Resto da Sua Vida (1972)
• Rita Lee & Tutti Frutti – Atrás do Porto Tem uma Cidade (1974)
• Rita Lee & Tutti Frutti – Fruto Proibido (1975)
• Rita Lee & Tutti Frutti – Entradas e Bandeiras (1976)
• Rita Lee & Gilberto Gil – Refestança (1977)
• Rita Lee & Tutti Frutti – Babilônia (1978)
• Rita Lee (1979)
• Lança Perfume (1980)
• Rita Lee (1980)
• Saúde (1981)
• Bombom (1983)
• Rita e Roberto (1985)
• Flerte Fatal (1987)
• Zona Zen (1988)
• Rita Lee, Orquestra Nova Sinfonieta, Roberto Tibiriçá – Pedro e o Lobo (1989)
• Rita Lee e Roberto de Carvalho (1990)
• Rita Lee em Bossa 'N Roll (1991)
• Em Bossa 'N Roll - Ao Vivo (1991)
• Rita Lee (1993)
• A Marca da Zorra (Ao Vivo) (1995)
• Santa Rita de Sampa (1997)
• Acústico MTV (1998)
• Acústico (Live) (1998)
• Rita Releeda (2000)
• 3001 (2000)
• Aqui, Ali, em Qualquer Lugar (2001)
• Balacobaco (2003)
• MTV Ao Vivo (2004)
• Ao Vivo (2004)
• Rita Lee / Patty Ascher – Bossa 'N Beatles / Bacharach Bossa Club (2008)
• Multishow Ao Vivo (2009)
• Reza (2012)
• Rita Lee & Roberto - Classix Remix Vol. III (2021)
• Rita Lee & Roberto - Classix Remix Vol. II (2021)
• Rita Lee & Roberto – Classix Remix Vol. l (2021)
• Uma Noite no Luna Park (Ao Vivo em Buenos Aires) (2024)