Singer Elza Soares died at the age of 91 this Thursday (20), in Rio de Janeiro. Considered the "voice of the millennium" in a 1999 poll by BBC radio in London, the artist died of natural causes, according to a note published on social networks. Known as the Queen of Samba, Elza Soares superseded any type of label throughout her life. From the time she emerged in the Brazilian rhythm in the 1960s until she was reborn in experimental packaging in the 2000s, the singer has marked generations of Brazilians with a torn voice that she says she forged from the noise of praying mantises.
Elza Soares was a survivor. She did not succumb to hunger, persecution during the dictatorship, domestic violence, the death of her children and oblivion by the music industry. She reached the end of her life recognized throughout the country —and the world—, celebrated as one of the greatest voices of Brazilian music at all times. "It is with great sadness and regret that we inform you of the death of singer and songwriter Elza Soares, aged 91, at 3:45 pm at her home in Rio de Janeiro, due to natural causes," says the publication. "She had an apotheotic, intense life that moved the world with her voice, her strength and her determination. The beloved and eternal Elza rested, but she will forever be in the history of music and in our hearts and the thousands of fans around the world."
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon