Rita Lee
Encyclopedia
Rita Lee Jones Carvalho (born Rita Lee Jones on December 31, 1947), simply known as Rita Lee, is a Brazil
ian rock singer and composer
. Lee continues to be a popular figure in Brazilian entertainment, where she is also known for being an animal rights
activist and a vegetarian. She has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide.
, to an American father, a dentist, and a Brazilian mother of Italian ancestry. She was educated in a French language school and became fluent in Spanish, French and Italian, as well as her native Portuguese and the English that her parents spoke at home. She went to college, where she was a colleague of the popular actress Regina Duarte
, but she soon left to pursue her musical career.
In 1966 Lee formed the band Os Mutantes
with Arnaldo Baptista and Sérgio Dias. The band released five albums between 1968 and 1972. In that time, Lee had also released her first two solo works, although these records were produced with fellow members of Os Mutantes. When the band reformed in 2006, she refused to join and called it as an attempt of the two remaining members to "earn cash to pay for geriatry
".
magazine ranked this album as the 16º best brazilian album of all time in its "100 Best List". The producer was Andy Mills, producer of Alice Cooper
and then Rita's boyfriend.
In the late 1970s, Lee started a partnership with her husband, Roberto de Carvalho, and many subsequent albums were credited to the duo Lee/Carvalho. In the late 70s, Lee was mentioned in the Caetano Veloso
song Sampa.
singer Ney Matogrosso
introduced her to guitarist Roberto de Carvalho, whom she married and had three children: Beto Lee, João Lee and Antônio. She's been married to Carvalho for 35 years and refers to him as her "boyfriend".
for nine months in 1986. That same year, Lee wrote three children's book
s and appeared in Brazilian movies
and TV show
s. In 1990 she started her own talk show
, called TvLeeZão (a play on "televisão," the Portuguese word for television), on MTV Brasil
. From 2002 to 2004 she hosted the Brazilian cable TV talk show
Saia Justa. In 2005 she and her husband started a new talk show, called Madame Lee. She also made a brief cameo
in the 2002 film Durval Discos
. In 2008/2009 she performed a new show called 'Pic Nic Tour.' In 2010 She performed another new show called 'Etc...Tour' revisiting some forgotten songs from her long career. In 2011 she began to produce and record two new albums. The first one with new unreleased songs, the second one called 'Bossa'n Movies' where she continues the project first stated with 'Bossa'n Roll' 1991, 'Bossa'n Beatles' (Aqui, ali, em qualquer lugar). In the album she'll record Brazilian and international movie themes (American, French, Spanish, Italian...). She also confirmed her new tour for May/2011 with Erasmo Carlos, called 'Os Reis do Rock' (King & Queen of the Rock) where they'll change repertoire (She sings his songs, and he sings her songs) plus, a homage to Raul Seixas, and some classic international Rock songs.
In 2011, she contributed the track "Pistis Sophia" to the Red Hot Organization's
most recent charitable album "Red Hot+Rio 2." The album is a follow-up to the 1996 "Red Hot + Rio
." Proceeds from the sales will be donated to raise awareness and money to fight AIDS/HIV and related health and social issues.
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian rock singer and composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
. Lee continues to be a popular figure in Brazilian entertainment, where she is also known for being an animal rights
Animal rights
Animal rights, also known as animal liberation, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings...
activist and a vegetarian. She has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide.
Early life and career
Rita Lee was born in São Paulo, BrazilBrazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, to an American father, a dentist, and a Brazilian mother of Italian ancestry. She was educated in a French language school and became fluent in Spanish, French and Italian, as well as her native Portuguese and the English that her parents spoke at home. She went to college, where she was a colleague of the popular actress Regina Duarte
Regina Duarte
Regina Blois Duarte is a Brazilian film, television and stage actress. Her efforts against the current Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2002 elections caused considerable controversy. Duarte appeared in a TV advertisement saying that she was afraid of what could happen to...
, but she soon left to pursue her musical career.
In 1966 Lee formed the band Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes ) are an influential Brazilian psychedelic rock band that were linked with the Tropicália movement of the late 1960s. It was formed by two brothers and a vocalist, but has gone through numerous personnel changes throughout its existence...
with Arnaldo Baptista and Sérgio Dias. The band released five albums between 1968 and 1972. In that time, Lee had also released her first two solo works, although these records were produced with fellow members of Os Mutantes. When the band reformed in 2006, she refused to join and called it as an attempt of the two remaining members to "earn cash to pay for geriatry
Geriatrics
Geriatrics is a sub-specialty of internal medicine and family medicine that focuses on health care of elderly people. It aims to promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in older adults. There is no set age at which patients may be under the care of a geriatrician, or...
".
Going solo
In late 1972, Rita left Os Mutantes and started a solo career. She was initially part of a female duo with singer Lúcia Turnbull called Cilibrinas do Éden, and after a short time the duo gave birth to the band Tutti Frutti. This eventually became Lee's backing band. In 1975, she recorded the album Fruto Proibido with the band. The album was praised by critics, sold more than 200,000 copies - a record to brazilian rock & roll singers at the time - and Rita was given the title "Queen of Rock". In 2007, the brazilian edition of Rolling StoneRolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
magazine ranked this album as the 16º best brazilian album of all time in its "100 Best List". The producer was Andy Mills, producer of Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper is an American rock singer, songwriter and musician whose career spans more than four decades...
and then Rita's boyfriend.
In the late 1970s, Lee started a partnership with her husband, Roberto de Carvalho, and many subsequent albums were credited to the duo Lee/Carvalho. In the late 70s, Lee was mentioned in the Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
Caetano Emanuel Viana Teles Veloso , better known as Caetano Veloso, is a Brazilian composer, singer, guitarist, writer, and political activist. Veloso first became known for his participation in the Brazilian musical movement Tropicalismo which encompassed theatre, poetry and music in the 1960s,...
song Sampa.
Personal life
Rita Lee was married to fellow Mutante Arnaldo Baptista from 1971 to 1972. In 1976, fellow MPBMúsica Popular Brasileira
Música Popular Brasileira or MPB designates a trend in post-Bossa Nova urban popular music. It is not a discrete genre but rather a constellation that combines original songwriting and updated versions of traditional Brazilian urban music styles like samba and samba-canção with contemporary...
singer Ney Matogrosso
Ney Matogrosso
Ney de Sousa Pereira, known as Ney Matogrosso is a Brazilian singer who is distinguished for his uncommon sopranino voice.-Biography:...
introduced her to guitarist Roberto de Carvalho, whom she married and had three children: Beto Lee, João Lee and Antônio. She's been married to Carvalho for 35 years and refers to him as her "boyfriend".
Other activities
Aside from her musical career, Rita Lee had a humor program called Radio Amador on Brazilian radioRadio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
for nine months in 1986. That same year, Lee wrote three children's book
Book
A book is a set or collection of written, printed, illustrated, or blank sheets, made of hot lava, paper, parchment, or other materials, usually fastened together to hinge at one side. A single sheet within a book is called a leaf or leaflet, and each side of a leaf is called a page...
s and appeared in Brazilian movies
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
and TV show
Television program
A television program , also called television show, is a segment of content which is intended to be broadcast on television. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series...
s. In 1990 she started her own talk show
Talk show
A talk show or chat show is a television program or radio program where one person discuss various topics put forth by a talk show host....
, called TvLeeZão (a play on "televisão," the Portuguese word for television), on MTV Brasil
MTV Brasil
MTV Brasil is the Brazilian version of MTV, owned by Abril Mídia, the nation's largest magazine publisher, under license from Viacom - owned MTV Networks Latin AmericaMTV Brasil is one of two versions of MTV available in free-to-air terrestrial television...
. From 2002 to 2004 she hosted the Brazilian cable TV talk show
Talk show
A talk show or chat show is a television program or radio program where one person discuss various topics put forth by a talk show host....
Saia Justa. In 2005 she and her husband started a new talk show, called Madame Lee. She also made a brief cameo
Cameo appearance
A cameo role or cameo appearance is a brief appearance of a known person in a work of the performing arts, such as plays, films, video games and television...
in the 2002 film Durval Discos
Durval Discos
Durval Discos is a 2002 Brazilian film by Anna Muylaert shot in Pinheiros, a borough of São Paulo. The film is noticeable for its soundtrack made up of 70's Brazilian music that reflect the protagonist's taste as he is himself a hippie, as well as André Abujamra's original score, more present in...
. In 2008/2009 she performed a new show called 'Pic Nic Tour.' In 2010 She performed another new show called 'Etc...Tour' revisiting some forgotten songs from her long career. In 2011 she began to produce and record two new albums. The first one with new unreleased songs, the second one called 'Bossa'n Movies' where she continues the project first stated with 'Bossa'n Roll' 1991, 'Bossa'n Beatles' (Aqui, ali, em qualquer lugar). In the album she'll record Brazilian and international movie themes (American, French, Spanish, Italian...). She also confirmed her new tour for May/2011 with Erasmo Carlos, called 'Os Reis do Rock' (King & Queen of the Rock) where they'll change repertoire (She sings his songs, and he sings her songs) plus, a homage to Raul Seixas, and some classic international Rock songs.
In 2011, she contributed the track "Pistis Sophia" to the Red Hot Organization's
Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization is a not-for-profit, 501 3, international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.Since its inception in 1989, over 400 artists, producers and directors have contributed to over 15 compilation albums, related television programs and media events to raise...
most recent charitable album "Red Hot+Rio 2." The album is a follow-up to the 1996 "Red Hot + Rio
Red Hot + Rio
Red Hot + Rio is a compilation album produced by Paul Heck as part of the Red Hot AIDS Benefit Series intended to promote AIDS awareness. This installment is a contemporary tribute to the Bossa nova sound, especially the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim...
." Proceeds from the sales will be donated to raise awareness and money to fight AIDS/HIV and related health and social issues.
With Os Mutantes
- 1972: Mutantes e Seus Cometas no País do BauretsMutantes e Seus Cometas no País do BauretsMutantes e Seus Cometas no País do Baurets is the fifth album by the Brazilian rock band Os Mutantes and the last to feature all three founding members. The album's cover art is by comic artist Alain Voss...
(Polydor, 1972) - 1971: Jardim ElétricoJardim ElétricoJardim Elétrico is the fourth album by the Brazilian tropicalia/psychedelic rock band Os Mutantes. The album was originally released in 1971 on Polydor Records. The title in English means "Electric Garden"...
(Polydor, 1971) - 1971: TecnicolorTecnicolorTecnicolor would have been the fourth album by the Brazilian band Os Mutantes. The album was intended to be their introduction in the English-speaking world and included English versions of songs from the albums Os Mutantes and A Divina Comédia ou Ando Meio Desligado, re-recordings in Portuguese...
(abandoned, released 29 years later) (UniversalUniversal Music GroupUniversal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
, 2000) - 1970: A Divina Comédia ou Ando Meio Desligado (Polydor, 1970)
- 1969: MutantesMutantes (album)Mutantes is the second album by the Brazilian tropicalia band Os Mutantes. The album was originally released in 1969 and reissued in 1999 on Omplatten Records...
(Polydor, 1969) - 1968: Os MutantesOs Mutantes (album)Os Mutantes is the debut album by the Brazilian tropicalia band Os Mutantes. It was originally released in 1968 and influenced by traditional Brazilian music styles, as well as American and British bands...
(Polydor, 1968) - 1968: Tropicália: ou Panis et CircensesTropicália: ou Panis et CircensesTropicália: ou Panis et Circencis is a 1968 collaboration album by artists including Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Tom Zé, Nara Leão, Os Mutantes and Gal Costa...
(PhilipsPhilips RecordsPhilips Records is a record label that was founded by Dutch electronics company Philips. It was started by "Philips Phonographische Industrie" in 1950. Recordings were made with popular artists of various nationalities and also with classical artists from Germany, France and Holland. Philips also...
, 1968. Collective album with Gilberto GilGilberto GilGilberto Passos Gil Moreira , better known as Gilberto Gil or , is a Brazilian singer, guitarist, and songwriter, known for both his musical innovation and political commitment...
, Caetano VelosoCaetano VelosoCaetano Emanuel Viana Teles Veloso , better known as Caetano Veloso, is a Brazilian composer, singer, guitarist, writer, and political activist. Veloso first became known for his participation in the Brazilian musical movement Tropicalismo which encompassed theatre, poetry and music in the 1960s,...
, Tom ZéTom ZéTom Zé is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer who was influential in the Tropicália movement of 1960s Brazil. After the peak of the Tropicália period, Zé went into relative obscurity: it was only in the 1990s, when the musician and label head David Byrne discovered an album recorded...
, Nara LeãoNara LeãoNara Lofego Leão was a Brazilian bossa nova and MPB singer and occasional actress. Her husband was Carlos Diegues, director and writer of Bye Bye Brasil....
and Gal CostaGal CostaGal Costa is a Brazilian singer of popular music.-Early life:...
)
Solo albums
- 2003: BalacobacoBalacobaco (Rita Lee album)Balacobaco is an album by Brazilian rock singer Rita Lee, It was released in 2003.-Track listing:...
- 2001: Aqui, Ali, Em Qualquer LugarAqui, Ali, Em Qualquer LugarAqui, Ali, Em Qualquer Lugar is an 2001 album by Brazilian rock singer Rita Lee. The album is composed of covers of the british band The Beatles.-Track listing:# "A Hard Day's Night"# "With a Little Help from My Friends"...
(aka Bossa'n Beatles) - 2000: Rita ReLEEdaRita ReLEEdaRita ReLEEda is a remix album, by Brazilian rock singer Rita Lee, It was released in 2000.-Track listing:# "Saude" # "Mania De Voce" # "Banho De Espuma" # "Doce Vampiro"...
(remixes) - 2000: 30013001 (Rita Lee album)Electronic and psychedelic band who baptizes the launch marked the resumption of the partnership with Tom Ze - 3001 the idea was suggested by Rita at the meeting that the two had a MTV Brasil show that brought together some of tropicalistas on stage. She asked Tom to write a letter that was a...
- 1997: Santa Rita de Sampa
- 1993: Todas as Mulheres do Mundo
- 1990: Rita Lee e Roberto de Carvalho
- 1989: Dias Melhores Virão (soundtrack)
- 1988: Zona Zen
- 1987: Flerte FatalFlerte Fatal-Track listing:# "Brazix Muamba" # "Flerte Fatal" # "Bwana" # "Me recuso" # "Blue Moon"...
- 1985: Rita e Roberto
- 1984: Rita Hits (two medleys remixed compilation)
- 1983: Bombom
- 1983: Baila ConmigoBaila Conmigo (Rita Lee album)Baila Conmigo is an album by Brazilian rock singer Rita Lee, It was released in Argentina in 1983. All Song written be Rita Lee, Roberto De Carvalho Vers: By Ray Girado.-Track listing:# "Baila Conmigo*" # "Nos Se Olvida"# "Atlantida"...
(in Spanish) - 1982: Rita Lee e Roberto de Carvalho
- 1981: Saúde
- 1980: Rita Lee
- 1979: Rita LeeRita Lee (Rita Lee album)Rita Lee is the third solo album by Rita Lee released following her split with Tutti Frutti. Heavily influenced by the Disco sound that was popular at the time, Rita Lee can be seen as a transitional album with Lee veering away from her signature Stadium Rock sound towards a more accssible...
- 1978: BabilôniaBabilônia (Rita Lee album)Babilônia is the 4th and final album by Rita Lee & Tutti Frutti. Though not as successful as their previous efforts, songs like "Miss Brasil 2000" and "Jardins da Babilônia" are fan favorites and Brazilian rock classics.-Track listing:# "Miss Brasil 2000"...
- 1976: Entradas e Bandeiras
- 1975: Fruto Proibido
- 1974: Atrás do Porto Tem Uma Cidade
- 1972: Hoje é o Primero Dia do Resto da Sua VidaHoje é o Primero Dia do Resto da Sua VidaHoje É o Primeiro Dia do Resto da Sua Vida is the second solo record by Brazilian singer Rita Lee. Originally intended to be released as an album by Os Mutantes, due to conflicts with the band's record label it was released as a Rita Lee solo effort...
(Cláudio César Dias Baptista talking and playing "zabumba") - 1970: Build UpBuild Up (Rita Lee album)Build Up is the solo debut by Rita Lee, originally released in 1970 during her time with Os Mutantes. Despite the moderate success of the single "José ", the album failed to captivate listeners in Brazil...
Live albums
- 2009: Multishow Ao Vivo Rita Lee
- 2004: MTV Ao Vivo (MTV LiveMTV LiveMTV Live was a U.S. television series that aired from 1997 to 1998 on MTV, featuring interviews with celebrity guests, live musical performances, news coverage, and music video premieres.-Series run:...
) - 1998: Acústico MTV (MTV UnpluggedMTV UnpluggedMTV Unplugged is a TV series showcasing many popular musical artists usually playing acoustic instruments. The show has received the George Foster Peabody Award and 3 Primetime Emmy nominations among many accolades.-Unplugged:...
) - 1995: A Marca Da Zorra
- 1991: Rita Lee em Bossa 'n' Roll
- 1977: Refestança (with Gilberto GilGilberto GilGilberto Passos Gil Moreira , better known as Gilberto Gil or , is a Brazilian singer, guitarist, and songwriter, known for both his musical innovation and political commitment...
) - 1975: Hollywood Rock (with Erasmo Carlos, Peso & Raul Seixas)
Singles/EPs
- 2002: Rita Lee Novelas
- 1983: Desculpe o Auê / Yoko Ono (Single in Spanish)
- 1977: Arrombou a Festa (Single)
- 1976: Lá Vou Eu (EP)
Spoken albums
- 1996: Tutu, O Menino Indio (spoken album as narrator)
- 1989: Pedro e o Lobo (spoken album as narrator to Peter and the WolfPeter and the WolfPeter and the Wolf , Op. 67, is a composition written by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936 in the USSR. It is a children's story , spoken by a narrator accompanied by the orchestra....
)
DVDs
- 2009: Multishow Ao Vivo Rita Lee
- 2007: Biograffiti (Box Set 3 DVDs)
- 2006: Grandes Nomes: Rita Lee Jones (Original TV Special From 1980)
- 2004: MTV Ao Vivo (MTV LiveMTV LiveMTV Live was a U.S. television series that aired from 1997 to 1998 on MTV, featuring interviews with celebrity guests, live musical performances, news coverage, and music video premieres.-Series run:...
) - 1998: Acústico MTV (Live) (MTV UnpluggedMTV UnpluggedMTV Unplugged is a TV series showcasing many popular musical artists usually playing acoustic instruments. The show has received the George Foster Peabody Award and 3 Primetime Emmy nominations among many accolades.-Unplugged:...
)