Jesus, Clementina de (1902–1987)

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Jesus, Clementina de (1902–1987)

Brazilian singer. Born Feb 7, 1902, in Valença, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; died July 1987 in state of Rio de Janeiro; dau. of Amélia de Jesus.

One of the last links in Brazil to native music of 19th-century Africa, was born into rural poverty and grew up singing traditional Afro-Brazilian songs passed on by mother; discovered by Herminio Bello de Carvalho at age 61, became instant success with both public and critics; combined traditional African melodies (sometimes sung in native dialects) with music of Afro-Brazilian spiritualism as well as Catholic hymns and traditional samba music; sang in coarse voice with deep feeling using oratorical delivery style and interaction of body and song; recorded 1st album at 68 and went on to record 9 albums, including samba and popular music, with many of Brazil's most famous composers and musicians; embodied emerging black consciousness in Brazil; died in poverty.