Amália Rodrigues, often called the “Queen of Fado,” is one of Portugal’s most iconic and celebrated singers, known for her powerful voice and emotional performances that helped popularize fado music worldwide. Born on July 23, 1920, in Lisbon, Portugal, Rodrigues began singing at a young age, and by the 1940s, she had become a beloved figure in Portugal’s music scene.

Fado is a genre of Portuguese music characterized by its melancholic themes, often dealing with love, loss, and nostalgia (known as saudade in Portuguese, a term referring to a profound sense of longing). Rodrigues’ voice embodied these themes perfectly, and her expressive singing brought an emotional depth to fado that captivated listeners across generations. Her performances were known for their intimacy and emotional authenticity, and she brought her own interpretations to traditional fado songs, as well as introducing new material that became fado classics.

Over her career, Amália released numerous albums, toured internationally, and recorded songs in various languages, including Spanish, French, and English, which helped to expand fado’s reach far beyond Portugal. Some of her most famous songs include “Uma Casa Portuguesa,” “Coimbra,” and “Foi Deus.” Amália also dabbled in acting, appearing in Portuguese and Brazilian films, which further elevated her fame.

Amália Rodrigues passed away on October 6, 1999, but her legacy remains incredibly influential, and she is widely regarded as a national treasure in Portugal. Her music continues to inspire artists worldwide, and she is credited with establishing fado as a respected and beloved genre both in Portugal and abroad.