Biography of the singer Elba Ramalho
Elba Maria Nunes Ramalho, or simply Elba Ramalho, is the fourth daughter of the couple João Nunes de Souza and Maria Geni Ramalho. Their children, in order, are: Everaldo, Everton, Ednovalda (Vavá), Elba, Eracliton, and João Nunes Filho, all born in Conceição/PB.
Beginning of Life and Career
Elba Ramalho was born on August 17, 1951, in the interior of Paraíba, specifically in the municipality of Conceição, also known as Conceição do Vale do Piancó. As the daughter of a musician, she began to take an interest in music during her teenage years while living in Campina Grande.
In 1962, Elba Ramalho’s family moved to Campina Grande, where her father became the owner of a cinema in the city. At that time, Elba attended the old junior high school.
Four years later, she stepped on stage for the first time in a performance with the Coral da Fundação Artística e Cultural Manuel Bandeira, of which she was a member.
During her university studies in sociology and economics at the Federal University of Paraíba, Elba formed the all-female group As Brasas.
Rise in Rio de Janeiro
Biografia de Elba Ramalho
In 1974, Elba Ramalho was invited by producer Roberto Santana, known for his work with Chico Buarque and Caetano Veloso, to perform as a crooner alongside the Quinteto Violado during a season in Rio de Janeiro. However, upon returning to the Northeast, Elba decided to stay in Rio, abandoning everything, including her university studies in her final year, without any financial support or resources. In Baixo Leblon, she met artists such as Alceu Valença and Carlos Vereza.
Still in 1974, Elba Ramalho participated in the play Viva o Cordão Encarnado, with the theater group Chegança, led by Luís Mendonça, catching the critics’ attention with her hyperactivity on stage, which would become her main characteristic.
Participation in Theatrical Productions
Other productions followed until, in 1978, Elba Ramalho participated in the theatrical play Ópera do Malandro, by Chico Buarque, a large production directed by Luiz Antonio Martinez Corrêa. Elba portrayed the role of the prostitute Lúcia, alongside a cast that included Otávio Augusto (Max), Marieta Severo (Terezinha), and Emiliano Queiroz (Geni).
The Ópera do Malandro was released at a time when Chico Buarque’s poetic style was “sharpened.” Elba Ramalho stood out significantly, which boosted her career as both an actress and a singer.
Album Releases and Success
As a result, Chico Buarque included a recording of the song O meu amor, performed by Marieta Severo and Elba Ramalho, on the album that bore the same name, released in 1978. The song became timeless, and the success gave Elba the opportunity to record her first album, with CBS, in 1979, titled Ave de Prata.
From then on, Elba Ramalho directed her career towards music, although, according to herself, theater was present in all her shows, being responsible for her unique stage presence.
In 1980, Elba Ramalho released her second LP, Capim do Vale, and embarked on her first international tour in Africa. The following year, she participated in the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and released the album Elba.
In 1982, she released the album Alegria, which sold over 300,000 copies just in Brazil, and performed in Europe and Israel.
In 1983, Elba Ramalho released the album Coração Brasileiro, solidifying her position at the forefront of MPB. The song Banho de Cheiro topped the charts, generating a sequence of hits from the same album.
Coração Brasileiro quickly achieved gold and platinum records, and the show of the same name, held at Canecão, broke attendance records previously set by shows of Roberto Carlos. Elba graced the cover of Veja magazine, being considered “the greatest star of Brazilian music in 1983.” The singer was also featured in the year-end special of Rede Globo.
Acknowledgment and Awards
Elba Ramalho has received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Brazilian Music Award and the Sharp Award, recognizing her significant contribution to Brazilian music. Her influence extends to international and national festivals, where her performances are widely acclaimed.
Cultural Influence
Elba is often credited with popularizing northeastern music outside the region, bringing a new audience to genres such as forró, xote, and samba de roda. Her interpretation of classics in northeastern music has helped preserve and promote the culture of the region.
Acting in Film and Television
In addition to her musical career, Elba Ramalho has also acted in soap operas and films, contributing to Brazilian culture across different media. Her presence on television helped increase her popularity and expand her audience.
Social Activities
Elba is known for her involvement in social causes, including educational projects and support for northeastern culture, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community.
Personal Life
In February 1989, at the age of 37, she posed for a Playboy magazine photoshoot. Elba Ramalho was married to model Gaetano Lopes (from 1995 to 2008), with whom she had two daughters: Maria Clara, adopted in 2000, and Maria Esperança, adopted in 2007. She was also married to actor and singer Maurício Mattar, with whom she had a son, Luã (born in 1987).
In 2001, a journalist from Veja magazine claimed that Elba Ramalho had stated at a ufology conference in Curitiba that she had been “chipped” by extraterrestrials. The claim led to a defamation lawsuit against the magazine, but the verdict, announced in 2006, did not favor the singer.
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