Legendary soprano Yma Sumac, the "Peruvian songbird," has died at an assisted living facility in Los Angeles. She was 86. The singer rose to fame in 1950s Hollywood because of her amazing vocals and unique style. She chose the name Yma Sumac, which means "how pretty" in Inca's Quechua language. She was given the gift of a five-octave range and was known for her flawless, precise, never-out-of tune singing style. Her voice was sometimes a growl, sometimes a fluttering, piercing flute. She is the only Peruvian whose name is written in Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
According to her official website
she was surrounded by her families and many who cared for her.
As a young girl, I watched her performances. I dreamed of having her long black hair and exotic eyes. My mother would find me creating costumes and trying to sing like her. An unlikely inspiration for a girl raised in a strict Southern home. Thank you Yma for opening up mine and many other's world.
View a video of her singing below.
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CORRECTION: YMA SUMAC was with her personal assistant who also runs her website when she died. Her caregivers were there as well. No family was present.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that clarification.
ReplyDeleteI sounds as if she was surrounded by those that cared for her most.
Regards,
Sharron