Maria Elena Santos

Maria Elena Santos, 72, passed away on her birthday, August 15, 2022, in Lisbon. Maria was a celebrated fado singer whose haunting voice captured the Portuguese soul for five decades. Born in the Alfama district the historic heart of fado she began singing in local taverns as a teenager and rose to international fame while never leaving her neighborhood. Maria's album 'Saudades Eternas' won the BBC World Music Award in 2005, introducing fado to new global audiences. Despite offers to move to Paris or New York, she remained in Alfama, performing weekly at her small club 'A Voz de Lisboa' and mentoring young fadistas. Critics praised her ability to convey 'saudade' the uniquely Portuguese longing in every note. She is survived by her daughter Isabel (a classical guitarist), her grandson, and her vast musical family. Her final performance, recorded just weeks before her death, will be released as a tribute album with proceeds funding music education in Lisbon's schools. As she often said: 'Fado isn't just music; it's the sound of our history, our losses, and our loves.' Her voice continues to echo through Lisbon's cobbled streets.