Rita Lee

Rita Lee Jones de Carvalho, known simply as Rita Lee, was born on December 31, 1947, in São Paulo, Brazil. She passed away on May 8, 2023. Renowned as the "Queen of Brazilian Rock," Rita Lee achieved remarkable success as a singer, songwriter, television presenter, and author. With an astounding 55 million records sold, she stands as the most commercially successful female artist in Brazil and ranks fourth overall, following renowned acts like Tonico & Tinoco, Roberto Carlos, and Nelson Gonçalves.

Rita's musical journey began with rock but evolved as she explored a diverse array of styles, including psychedelia during the tropicalismo movement, pop rock, disco, new wave, pop, bossa nova, and electronica. This innovative blending of genres positioned her as a pioneering figure in the music scene, both nationally and internationally.

As a former member of the influential bands Os Mutantes (1966–1972) and Tutti Frutti (1973–1978), Rita Lee played a crucial role in significant cultural revolutions in Brazil, making her a vital source of inspiration for generations of musicians, particularly female guitarists, since the mid-1970s. Her contributions to music and society have left an indelible mark, solidifying her legacy as one of Brazil’s most influential cultural icons.