Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Carlos do Carmo

Role / Field:

Iconic Portuguese fado singer, known for modernizing the traditional art form.

Born:

1939-12-21

Died:

2021-01-01

Century / Era:

1939s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Carlos Manuel de Ascenção do Carmo de Almeida (21 December 1939 – 1 January 2021), better known as Carlos do Carmo, was a Portuguese fado singer. The son of Lucília do Carmo, a well-known fadista, do Carmo began his career in fado following his father's death in 1962, when he returned from a period in Switzerland to help his mother run the family's fado house. He began singing himself shortly afterwards and, in 1963, he began his career as a recording artist. He continued working at the fado house for a number of years, while also expanding his recording career.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He achieved national and international success in the 1970s, including performances at the Royal Opera House in London and the Paris Olympia. He represented Portugal at the Eurovision Song Contest 1976 with his song "Uma flor de verde pinho", finishing in 12th place. Carmo introduced new styles to fado, including the addition of orchestras, and the incorporation of other styles such as jazz into the traditional music. Carlos do Carmo grew up in Lisbon. His mother was Lucília do Carmo, a fado singer who experienced success in the 1920s.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He first left Lisbon in his youth, on the advice of his parents, to study...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Carlos do Carmo