Eugénia Melo e Castro

Eugénia Melo e Castro was born in Lisbon in 1962 and grew up with the traditional sounds of fado. In the early 1980s, she joined the Portuguese jazz group Quarteto 1111 before starting her solo career in 1987 with a self-titled debut album.

Her 1994 album "Amor em Lágrimas" brought her wider recognition, with the title track becoming one of her most enduring songs. Other notable recordings include "Coração Dourado" from 1999 and "Perfume" from 2004, which blended fado with jazz elements. She has collaborated with composer José Mário Branco on projects like the 2012 album "O Que Resta."

Her live performances often feature musicians like guitarist Rui Veloso, bassist Bernardo Couto, and drummer Carlos Bica. Songs like "Fado Lisboa" and "A Dança da Lua" show her continued engagement with Portuguese musical traditions while incorporating other influences.