Sylvia Telles

Sylvia Telles was a Brazilian singer and composer who was one of the pioneers and major artists of the bossa nova movement. She started her career in 1955, singing in nightclubs and recording songs by Billy Blanco, Tom Jobim, Dolores Duran, Johnny Alf and others. She was also one of the first singers to perform bossa nova songs, such as "Chega de Saudade", "Samba de Uma Nota Só" and "Corcovado". She collaborated with many musicians, such as Carlos Lyra, Roberto Menescal, Luiz Bonfá, Barney Kessel and João Gilberto. She recorded several albums, both in Brazil and in the United States, and received critical acclaim for her expressive and elegant voice. She was also a composer, writing songs such as "Só em Teus Braços", "Dindi" and "Fotografia". She was married to producer Aloysio de Oliveira, who helped her sign with Odeon and Elenco, two of the most prestigious labels in Brazil. She had a daughter, Cláudia Telles, who also became a singer. On December 17, 1966, Sylvia Telles died in a car accident near Rio de Janeiro, at the age of 32. She left behind a legacy of beautiful and influential music, and is considered one of the greatest Brazilian singers of all time.