Trio Ternura

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Quinteto Ternura

Years active

1960s–1970s

Genres

soul, mpb, funk, bossa nova

Instruments

vocal

Biography

Trio Ternura was a renowned Brazilian vocal group formed by siblings Jussara, Jurema, and Robson Lourenço da Silva in Rio de Janeiro. Born in Realengo, the siblings began their artistic journey in childhood, singing with their father, composer Umberto Silva. Officially launched on Rádio Globo by Haroldo de Andrade, the group gained national prominence in the 1960s by participating in the Jovem Guarda show and recording adaptations of international hits, standing out for their vocal power and striking harmonies.

In the 1970s, the group reached a historic milestone when they performed, alongside Tony Tornado, the emblematic song "BR-3" at the 1970 International Song Festival, marking the event with an energetic performance at Maracanãzinho. In 1971, they won first place at the same festival with the song "Kyriê", in addition to releasing an acclaimed self-titled album produced by Raul Seixas that mixed soul, funk, and psychedelia. In the same decade, the project temporarily expanded into Quinteto Ternura with the addition of new members before ending its activities.

After the group's end, sisters Jhusara and Jurema solidified highly prominent careers as backing vocalists for major icons of Brazilian national music, collaborating with artists such as Alcione, Cazuza, Elba Ramalho, and Sérgio Mendes. Trio Ternura's legacy remains alive as one of the pillars of soul music and of the great Black vocal ensembles of Brazil between the 60s and 70s.