Stella Maris

Origin

Pequeri, MG

Also known as

Stela Caymmi, Adelaide Tostes Caymmi

Years Active

1938–1964

Genres

MPB, samba, popular song

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Stella Maris, whose birth name was Adelaide Tostes Caymmi, was born in Pequeri, Minas Gerais, and began her artistic career in Rio de Janeiro in the late 1930s. Discovered in amateur talent shows, she was spotted by announcer César Ladeira and signed a contract with Rádio Mayrink Veiga in 1938. During her initial phase in radio, she had the opportunity to work alongside great icons of Brazilian music, such as Carmen Miranda, Aurora Miranda, Sílvio Caldas, Pixinguinha, and Aracy de Almeida, in addition to recording with accordionist Antenógenes Silva.

Her life took a new turn after participating in a talent show on Rádio Nacional, where she performed a work by Noel Rosa. It was on this occasion that she caught the attention of a young Bahian composer who had recently arrived in the federal capital, Dorival Caymmi. The two married in 1940, at which point Stella Maris chose to step away from the stage and studios to dedicate herself fully to her family and to raising her children Nana, Dori, and Danilo, who would later also become prominent musicians.

Her return to the studios occurred only in 1964, due to strong insistence from producer Aloysio de Oliveira and maestro Tom Jobim. She participated in the renowned album Caymmi visita Tom, released by the Elenco record label, performing the track "Canção da Noiva" as a solo artist. Although this was her only significant recording after her marriage, her influence and history remained closely linked to the noble lineage of MPB through her family legacy and her rare, yet striking, performances.