Written by: Emma Thompson

Simone Bittencourt de Oliveira: The Queen of MPB

With a career spanning over four decades and more than 30 albums under her belt, Simone Bittencourt de Oliveira, known simply as Simone, is one of the most iconic and influential Brazilian singers of all time. Her unique voice and style have made her a household name in Brazil and beyond, cementing her position as the queen of Musica Popular Brasileira (MPB).

Early Life and Career

Born on December 25, 1949, in Salvador, Bahia, Simone grew up in a family of nine children. She was a natural athlete and became a professional basketball player in her teenage years, even joining the women's national basketball team. It wasn't until her early twenties that she discovered her passion for music, thanks to her guitar teacher and friend Elodir Barontini.

With Barontini's encouragement, Simone began performing at local events and eventually caught the attention of Odeon's marketing manager, who offered her a record deal. Her debut album, released in 1972, was a modest affair, but it marked the beginning of a remarkable career.

Rise to Stardom

Simone's big break came in 1973 when she performed at the prestigious Olympia in Paris, followed by a successful international tour that took her to Madison Square Garden in New York City, Belgium, and Canada. This exposure launched her career, and she went on to release two albums, Brasil Export 73 and Festa Brasil, which solidified her position as a rising star in the MPB scene.

Music Style and Influences

Simone's music is a masterful blend of traditional Brazilian rhythms, jazz, and soul. Her powerful, emotive voice and impeccable phrasing have drawn comparisons to legendary singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Throughout her career, she has been influenced by a range of artists, from Antonio Carlos Jobim to Chico Buarque, and has worked with some of the biggest names in Brazilian music.

Awards and Accolades

Simone has won numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to Brazilian music, including multiple Prêmio Sharp awards and a Latin Grammy nomination. In 2014, she was honored with the prestigious Ordem do Rio Branco, one of Brazil's highest cultural honors.

Legacy and Impact

Simone's influence on MPB and Brazilian music as a whole cannot be overstated. She has paved the way for generations of female singers and has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights and social justice. Her music continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world, cementing her status as a true legend of Brazilian music.

Personal Life

Despite her fame, Simone has always been private about her personal life. She has been married twice and has two children. Her parents, an amateur opera singer and a pianist, encouraged her love of music from an early age.

Discography

• Simone (1972)
• Brasil Export 73 (1973)
• Festa Brasil (1973)
• O Canto de Simone (1974)
• Pedir ao Céu (1977)
• Cida de Dídio e Seu Pandeiro (1978)
• Raízes (1981)
• Coração de Estudante (1983)
• Tudo éAzul (1986)
• Velho Amor (1993)
• Sucessos (1995)
• Feijoada (1996)
• Sou Você (1998)
• Fazendo São Paulo (2000)
• Sempre Simone (2001)
• Baixo o Olhar de Deus (2002)
• Simone ao Vivo (2003)
• Pedente (2005)
• Simone Bittencourt de Oliveira (2009)
• Da Cor do Pecado (2011)
• Outro Sim (2014)
• Vida Inteira (2017)

With a career spanning over 40 years, Simone Bittencourt de Oliveira has left an indelible mark on Brazilian music. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike, solidifying her position as one of the greatest singers of all time.