Flora Purim is a Brazilian jazz singer who has conquered the world. Born in 1942 in Rio de Janeiro, Flora grew up in a musical family and began her singing career at the age of 16. She has also collaborated with many famous jazz musicians, including Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Wynton Marsalis.
Flora Purim: Her childhood
Flora Purim has enjoyed an international career as a jazz singer. Born in Brazil, she was exposed to Latin American music and bossa nova from an early age. She grew up in a musical family and was immersed in classical music, samba and choro. She studied classical music at the Rio de Janeiro Conservatory before turning to jazz.
In 1963, she met jazz legend Stan Getz, with whom she recorded several albums. Getz introduced Purim to bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams, both of whom played with Miles Davis.
Flora Purim: Her career
In 1966, Purim and Getz recorded the album “Jazz Samba”, which became a classic of the genre.
In 1970, she recorded her first solo album, “Flora’s Song”, which became a classic of the genre.
She also took part in more experimental musical projects, such as Chick Corea’s “Return to Forever”. In 1984, Flora Purim and Airto Moreira founded the Tom Brasil Music label, which produced several albums of Brazilian and Latin American music. Flora Purim continues to perform worldwide and record new albums.
Flora Purim: Her private life
Purim has been married to percussionist Airto Moreira since 1968. They lived in the United States for many years, but recently returned to Brazil. They have three children: Diana (b. 1970), Flora (b. 1974) and Paulo (b. 1977).
Flora Purim: Her albums
She has recorded several albums that have helped popularize Latin American jazz worldwide. Among her most famous albums are Open Your Eyes You Can Fly (1976), Butterfly Dreams (1993) and Perpetual Emotion (1997). Flora Purim is an extremely versatile artist who has adapted to many different musical styles over the course of her long and distinguished career.
Flora Purim: her awards
Flora Purim has received numerous awards for her talent and contribution to music.
In 1974, she was voted “World’s Best Female Jazz Vocalist” by the prestigious Down Beat magazine.
In 1983, she won the Grammy Award for Best Latin American Album for her album Perpetual Emotion. In 1999, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her album Brazilian Duos.
In 2004, she was named “Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres” by the French government.
In 2017, she was honored by the prestigious Kennedy Center for Lifetime Achievement.