Yma
Hi everyone, hope you enjoyed this week’s pick ‘n’ mix of choons. My personal favourite was a wee number by the late Peruvian opera singer Yma Sumac. Born in the Peruvian rainforest, Yma taught herself to sing by mimicking the calls of the local wildlife, eventually developing an unbelievable four (five according to some sources) octave vocal range! She found fame in the 1950s as a sort of cabaret lounge act, yet was still able to record some incredible songs within this musical straightjacket. Although often passed off as a ploy to sell her to the tacky, history hungry American public, the claim that Yma was a direct descendent of the ancient Incan emperor Atahualpa was officially confirmed by the Peruvian government. Anyway, regardless of the fascinating backstory, Yma’s amazing voice is the real point of interest here. Check her out!
ATYN 121 (23/8/11)
