Amália Rodrigues, the portuguese "Diva" wich is known as the Queen of Fado. Amália Rodrigues has sold millions of albums all over the world and is recognized as a great legend. Fado is a portuguese word that means "fate" and Amália Rodrigues turn it the way for the voice to transform poems about destiny and mystery into enchanting music.

Amália da Piedade Rodrigues was born in Portugal, Lisbon, July 23rd or July 1st. she always remained that she had been born on July 1st but the Official documents state Amália was born on July 23,1920.

Amália first sang in public when shw was nine year-old at the primary school.
In 1935, she performed at the Alcântara Parade benefit, singing accompanied by a guitar. In 1939, Amália made her debut at the Retiro da Severa, with the major performers of that time, singing three Fado interpretations.

The first recordings (79 rotation per minute single) of Amália were made in 1945 in a Brazilian studio, with the Continental record company label.

Her big screen debut was in May 16, 1947 with the film "Capas Negras," (Black Capes), exhibited for 22 consecutive weeks at the Condos cinema theater in Lisbon.

In 1954, Amália Rodrigues made her first long playing record ("Amália Sings Fado From Portugal and Flamenco From Spain"). This album was never marketed in Portugal.

In 1980, Amália performed, at the Newport Music Festival in the United States of America, singing the famous fado "Coimbra" with Julio Iglesias.

the Amália's last album was "Segredo", recorded and released in 1997.

In October 6, 1999, Amália Rodrigues dies at the age of 79 from natural causes. Amália Rodrigues was considered to be Portugal's "only" ambassador to the world.

Philmography:
1999 -"História do Cinema"(TV Series)

1999 -"The Art of Amália"

1998 - Vasco Santana: O Bom Português (TV)

1995 - Amália - Uma Estranha Forama de Vida

1991 - Amália Rodrigues, Live in NYC

1991 - Bis ans Ende der Welt

1972 -"Vitória Bonelli" (TV Series)

1971 -"Os Deuses Estão Mortos"(TV Series)

1968 - Sapateria Prodigiosa"(TV)

1966 - Via Macau

1965 - As Ilhas Encantadas

1964 - Fado Corrido

1959 - Les Canciones Unidas

1958 - Sangue Toureiro

1958 - O Céu da Minha Rua"(TV)

1956 - Música de Siempre

1955 - Les Amantus du Tage

1954 - April In Portugal

1949 - Sol e Toiros

1949 - Vendaval Maravilhoso

1948 Fado, História d'uma Cantadeira

1947 Capas Negras

If you like this hub, read this one too:Mariza - Voice of Fado