Violeta Cavalcanti

Origin

Manaus, AM

Years active

1939–1988

Genres

samba, samba-canção, marcha carnavalesca, choro

Biography

Violeta Cavalcanti was born in Manaus, Amazonas, on July 1, 1923. As a child, she moved with her family to Rio de Janeiro, where she began her singing studies. Her musical career blossomed early on when she was discovered by maestro Heitor Villa-Lobos, who included her in his Children's Orpheonic Ensemble. At age 14, she participated in Ary Barroso's amateur talent show, performing "O Samba e o Tango", a hit by Carmen Miranda, and won first place despite Barroso's initial protest, as he considered her a professional.

Her radio career flourished, especially after Carmen Miranda moved to the United States, filling the void left by the "Pequena Notável". Cavalcanti worked at major broadcasting stations such as Rádio Tupi, Educadora, and Ipanema, establishing herself as a prominent voice in samba and samba-canção. She recorded her first album in 1940 with the Victor label, and throughout the 1940s and 1950s, she released several hits, cementing her popularity.

In 1957, Violeta Cavalcanti voluntarily interrupted her career to dedicate herself to marriage and family. She returned to the music scene 20 years later, encouraged by Paulinho da Viola, participating in projects such as "Projeto Pixinguinha" and "As Eternas Cantoras do Rádio". In the 1980s and 1990s, she joined the group "As Cantoras do Rádio", alongside other divas of the era, recording CDs and performing shows, which marked a revival of her career. Violeta Cavalcanti passed away in Rio de Janeiro on February 14, 2014, at the age of 90, leaving an important legacy in Brazilian popular music.