Rita Lee, the legendary Brazilian Musician |
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Rita Lee, The Legendary Brazilian Musician, dies at 75
FACT - Did you know? Rita Lee is the legendary Brazilian musician, composer and founder of the trailblazing band 'Os Mutantes'. Rita Lee is a Brazilian rock singer, composer, and musician who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Brazilian music. Rita Lee Jones was born on December 31, 1947, in São Paulo, Brazil. She began her music career in the 1960s and gained prominence as a member of the band Os Mutantes, one of the pioneering acts in the Tropicália movement. Os Mutantes was a highly innovative and experimental band that blended traditional Brazilian music with rock, psychedelia, and other genres. Rita Lee played a crucial role in the band, contributing vocals and writing songs. Rita Lee left Os Mutantes in the early 1970s to pursue a solo career. She released numerous successful albums across various genres, including rock, pop, and electronic music. Throughout her career, Rita Lee explored a diverse range of musical styles, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Her work includes elements of rock, pop, MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), and electronic music. Rita Lee's solo career produced several hits, including "Ovelha Negra," "Mania de Você," and "Lança Perfume," which became classics in Brazilian music. Known for her innovative approach to music and her rebellious, irreverent persona, Rita Lee became a symbol of counterculture in Brazil. She often pushed boundaries with her lyrics and stage presence, challenging societal norms. Rita Lee received numerous awards throughout her career, including recognition for her contributions to Brazilian music. In addition to her music career, Rita Lee is also an author. She has written books, including autobiographical works, that offer insights into her life and experiences. Rita Lee officially retired from her music career in 2012. Since 2021 Rita Lee was diagnosed with lung cancer and she passed away on May 8, 2023 in her home in São Paulo. But Rita Lee will never be forgotten and she will continue to be celebrated for her lasting impact on Brazilian music. Rita Lee's influence extends beyond music, making her a cultural icon in Brazil. Her contributions to the development of Brazilian rock and her fearless approach to artistic expression have left a lasting legacy in the country's music scene.Brazil has lost their Queen of RockRita Lee, the legendary Brazilian musician, composer and pioneer of the Tropicália movement and co−founder and lead singer for 'Os Mutantes', died Monday May 8, 2023. In 2021, she was diagnosed with lung cancer, jokingly nicknaming her tumor "Jair" after Brazil's former, and much loathed president, Jair Bolsonaro. The pioneering artist and feminist icon went into remission in 2022 and died peacefully at her home in São Paulo on May 8, 2023. Rita Lee enjoyed a successful, six−decade career, selling more than 55 millions of records as a member of Os Mutantes, various other bands, and as a solo act. She suitably earned the honorific title in Brazil as 'Rainha do Rock', ('Queen of Rock'), though as she told Rolling Stone Brasil in an interview once, "I like being called the 'Patron Saint of Freedom' more than the 'Queen of Rock', which I find a little tacky." (Source: RollingStone) |