Amalia da Piedade Rebordao Rodrigues

Amália Rodrigues was a Portuguese fado singer who was known as the Queen of Fado and one of the most influential and successful artists in history. She was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 23, 1920, to a poor and large family. She started singing at a young age and made her professional debut in 1939 at a fado house. She soon became a popular star in Portugal and abroad, performing in Spain, Brazil, France, and other countries. She also acted in several films, such as Capas Negras and Fado. She introduced fado to international audiences and collaborated with famous composers, such as Frederico Valério and Alain Oulman. She sang poems by Portuguese poets, such as Luís de Camões, Fernando Pessoa, and José Régio. She also recorded songs in other genres, such as folk, samba, and flamenco. She was admired for her expressive and passionate voice, her elegant and charismatic presence, and her emotional and authentic interpretation of fado. She received many awards and honors, such as the Order of Saint James of the Sword, the Order of Prince Henry, and the Order of Liberty. She was also honored by the Pope John Paul II and the President of Portugal. She died of heart failure in Lisbon, Portugal, on October 6, 1999, at the age of 79. She was buried in the Jerónimos Monastery, a national monument, after a state funeral. She is regarded as a national hero and a symbol of Portuguese culture and identity. She is also considered a pioneer of world music and a source of inspiration for many artists.