Yma Sumac (born September 10, 1922), also spelled Ymma Sumak, is a noted vocalist of Peruvian origin. In the 1950s she was one of the most famous proponents of exotica music. She is remembered chiefly for her amazing voice, which at the time, covered a range between four and five octaves (opinions differ).

Yma Sumac may have been born on September 10, 1922 in Ichocá, Peru as Zoila Augusta Emperatriz Chavarri del Castillo. Other dates mentioned in her various biographies range from 1921 to 1929. Some sources [1] (http://www.sunvirgin.com/) alternately claim that she was not born in Ichocán, but in a nearby village or possibly in Lima, and that her family owned a ranch in Ichocán where she spent most of her early life. It is also claimed that she is an Incan princess directly descended from Atahualpa. The story that she was actually born as Amy Camus (which is Yma Sumac read backwards) in Brooklyn or Canada seems to be a hoax.

She first appeared on radio in 1942, and married composer and bandleader Moisés Vivanco on June 6 the same year. Using the stage name Imma Sumack, she recorded at least eighteen tracks of Peruvian folk songs in Argentina in 1943. These early recordings for the Odeon label featured Moisés Vivanco's group, Compañía Peruana de Arte — a group of 46 Indian dancers singers and musicians. In 1946, Yma Sumac and Vivanco moved to New York City, where she performed with the Inca Taky Trio, with Moisés Vivanco on guitar, Yma Sumac's cousin Cholita Rivero singing contralto and dancing, and Yma Sumac providing the soprano, until being signed by Capitol Records in 1950.

During the 1950s, she produced a series of legendary lounge recordings featuring Hollywood-style versions of Incan and South American folk songs, working with the likes of Les Baxter and Billy May. The combination of her extraordinary voice, exotic looks and stage personality made her a hit with American audiences. During the height of her popularity, she appeared in the films Secret of the Incas (1954) and Omar Khayyam (1957); she became a U.S. citizen July 22, 1955.

In 1957, she and Vivanco divorced. They remarried in 1959 before divorcing again in 1965. They had one son, Charles, born in 1949. Apparently due to financial difficulties, Yma Sumac and the original Inca Taky Trio went on a world tour in 1961, which lasted for five years. They performed in 40 cities in the Soviet Union, and afterwards all over Europe, Asia and Latin America. Their performance in Bucharest, Romania was recorded as the album Recital, her only 'live in concert' record. Yma Sumac spent the rest of the 1960s performing sporadically.

In 1971, she released a rock album, called Miracles, and then returned to live in Peru. She performed in concert from time to time during the 1970s in Peru and later in New York. In the 1980s, she had a number of concerts both in the U.S. and abroad including at New York's The Ballroom in 1987 and several San Francisco shows at the Theatre on the Square among others. In 1987, she also recorded a song for Stay Awake, an album of songs from Disney movies, produced by Hal Willner.

In 1989, she sang once again at The Ballroom in New York. In March 1990, she played the role of Heidi in Stephen Sondheim's Follies, in Long Beach, California — her first attempt at 'serious theater' since Flahooley in 1951. She also did several concerts in the summer of 1996 in San Francisco and Hollywood and two more in Montreal, Canada in July 1997 as part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

In 1992, Gunther Czernetsky directed a documentary titled Yma Sumac - Hollywoods Inkaprinzessin (Yma Sumac - Hollywood's Inca princess).

Recordings

• Voice of the Xtabay (1946), Capitol H-244 (10" LP)
• Inca Taqui (1953), Capitol L-243 (10" LP)
• Voice of the Xtabay, Capitol W-684 (both of the above on one 12" LP)
• Legend of the Sun Virgin (1953), Capitol T-299
• Mambo (1954), Capitol T-564
• Legend of the Jivaro (1957), Capitol T-770
• Fuego Del Andes (1959), Capitol ST 1169
• Recital/Live in Bucharest (1961), ELECTRECOR EDE073
• Miracles (1971), London XPS 608

Vocal Profile

• Voice type: Dramatic coloratura Soprano
• Highest note: Bb6, C#7 ("Chunco")
• Lowest note: E2 ("Chuncho") 
• Vocal range: 4.5 octaves (E2-C#7)

External links

• Official Yma Sumac Site (http://www.sunvirgin.com/)
• Yma-Sumac.com (http://www.yma-sumac.com/)
•  

References

• "Yma Sumac Becomes Citizen". New York Times, July 23, 1955, p. 10.
• "Yma Sumac's Divorce Final". New York Times, May 21, 1958, p. 39.
• "Yma Sumac... the Voice of the Incas (http://javasbachelorpad.com/ymasumac.html)". Fate (magazine), Vol. 4, No. 8, November-December 1951

main source : Yma Sumac - wikipedia

Singing Experience

1. As a Guest Artist for Local Famous Band/Orchestra KRAKATAU BAND KARIMATA BAND FUNK SECTION BAND TWILIGHT ORCHESTRA ERWIN GUTAWA ORCHESTRA ERWIN GUTAWA BIG BAND TOHPATI MAGENTA ORCHESTRA ETC.
2. Participating "ASEAN SONG FESTIVAL" 1989 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
3. Represented Indonesia for "TOKYO MUSIC FESTIVAL" 1991.Tokyo, Japan
4. Represent Indonesia "YOSHINOGARI SONG FESTIVAL" 1995, Fukuoka, Japan
5. Represent Indonesia "ASIAN ENTERTAINTMENT SHOW, LIVE" via Telecast from NHK, Fuji TV 1995 Tokyo, Japan
6. As A guest Star "INDONESIA INTERNATIONAL SONG FESTIVAL" 1995 Jakarta, Indonesia
7. Represent Indonesia for "QUEEN OF POP ASIA" tahun 1996 di Tokyo Japan.
8. Performing at the "Grand Opening SEA GAMES XIX" 1997 Jakarta with the song "Spirit of Sea Games".
9. Performing for " ASIAN DIVA " 2001 in Singapore in Conjunction for Singapore Breast Foundations
10. Represented Indonesia for " Kuching Internasional Jazz Festival " Kuching, Malaysia 2003
11. As A Guest Star For MARIO FRANGULIS Concert at Herrod Atticus, Accropolis, Athen 2002
12. As A Guest Star for ERIC BENET Special at Java Jazz Festival, March 2005
13. As A Guest Star for JEFF KASHIWA and TOTAL ACCES at Java Jazz Festival 2005

Concerts

1. "FROM FINLAND TO NEWS CAFƒ" 1993, Jakarta
2. "RUTH SAHANAYA IN CONCERT", 1993 TIM Jakarta
3. "RUTH SAHANAYA USA TOUR SHOW" 1994 New York, Washington, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles
4. "A MEMORY JAZZ CONCERT" Jakarta 1997, 21 Concert Hall
5. "I LIKE MONDAY" 1996 In Conjuntion of Anniversary Hard Rock Cafe Jakarta
6. "PROMO TOUR KASIH 1999" Promo Concerts album " Kasih "
7. "GILANG GEMILANG DXN" Concert within 14 state all over Indonesia 2000
8. " SECRETARIAL WEEKS CONCERTS " in Sunway Lagoon Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
9. " GIFT ", Ruth Sahanaya Christmas Concert (live at Indosiar Through out the Nation)
10. "BICARA CINTA" 2003, Kallang Theatre Singapore,
11. Ruth Sahanaya Special Java Jazz Festival , March 4th 2005 With Jeff Kashiwa Allstar Featuring Eric Benet

Awards/ Achievements

Discography

Thanks for voting in this poll. The poll has been ended today and below is the final result!

1. Regine Velasquez ,894
2. Siti Nurhaliza ,710
3. Rachelle Ann Go ,199
4. Sarah Geronimo ,98
5. Jaclyn Victor ,51
6. Lani Misalucha ,25
7. Ziana Zain ,24

    Total Of Votes : 2016

Selection   Votes Regine Velasquez  45% 894 Siti Nurhaliza  35% 710 Jaclyn Victor  3% 51 Anggun Cipta Sasmi  0% 2 Kris Dayanti  0% 1 Rachelle Ann Go  10% 199 Ruth Sahanaya  0% 2 Ning Baizura  0% 3 Lani Misalucha  1% 25 Stefanie Sun Yan Zi  0% 2 Sheila Majid  0% 0 Sarah Geronimo  5% 98 Ziana Zain  1% 24 Ayumi Hamasaki  0% 2 Faye Wong  0% 3 2,016 votes total

Michael Bolton, (born Michael Bolotin in New Haven, Connecticut on February 26, 1954) is a Jewish-American Pop, Rock and Adult contemporary singer-songwriter known for his soft rock ballads and gravelly singing voice.

Over the course of his extraordinary career, Michael Bolton-singer, songwriter, and social activist- has sold over 52 million albums and singles worldwide, and has won two Grammys for best male vocalist, and six American Music Awards among many other accolades.

Background

Bolton is a solo vocalist and has found his success in the "easy listening" genre. Unbeknownst to many, however, Bolton got his musical start in the late seventies with a heavy metal band called Blackjack, which also featured one-time Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick, in which he was known by his birth name. The band once toured with Ozzy Osbourne. He began recording as Michael Bolton in 1983. He has also performed with Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Renee Fleming, Patti Labelle, Ray Charles, Percy Sledge, Wynonna Judd, and BB King.

Although Bolton is known for singing other artists' songs, he is also a prolific songwriter, having written songs for Barbra Streisand, KISS, Kenny Rogers, Kenny G, Cher, Peabo Bryson and Patti Labelle, as well as having co-written songs with Bob Dylan, BabyFace and Diane Warren, among others.

Bolton is the father of daughters born in the mid-1970s - Isa, Holly and Taryn.

In 1993, he established the Michael Bolton Foundation (now the Michael Bolton Charities, Inc.) to assist women and children at risk from the effects of poverty and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The foundation has provided over $3.7 million in funding to local and national charities.

Bolton also serves as the honorary chairman of Prevent Child Abuse America, the national chairman for This Close for Cancer Research, and a board member for the National Mentoring Partnership and the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

In March, 2003, Bolton joined with Lifetime Television, Verizon Wireless, and many others to lobby on behalf of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, urging legislation to provide more assistance for victims of domestic violence, such as affordable housing options.

Bolton has received the Lewis Hine Award from the National Child Labor Committee, the Martin Luther King Award from the Congress of Racial Equality, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also recognized Bolton with a star on the "Walk of Fame" for his musical and charitable contributions.

Vocal Profile

• Vocal Type: Counter tenor
• Highest notes: E6
• Lowest notes: E2
• Vocal range: 4 Octaves

Solo Discography

Audio Samples
	(listen)	1.  I'm Alive
	(listen)	2.  'Til The End Of Forever
	(listen)	3.  Still The Love Of My Life
	(listen)	4.  Next Lifetime (with Liz Sharpe)
	(listen)	5.  Hear Me (with Jim Brickman)
	(listen)	6.  The Courage In Your Eyes
	(listen)	7.  Said I Loved You...But I Lied (Reggae Version)
	(listen)	8.  Time, Love And Tenderness (Live)
	(listen)	9.  When A Man Loves A Woman (Live)
	(listen)	10. Go The Distance (Live)
	(listen)	11. Nessun Dorma (Live)
	(listen)	12. Dock Of The Bay (Live)
	(listen)	13. To Love Somebody (Live)
	(listen)	14. How Can We Be Lovers (Live)
	(listen)	15. Love Is A Wonderful Thing (Live)
	(listen)	16. Soul Provider (Live)
	(listen)	17. Steel Bars (Live)
	(listen)	18. How Am I Supposed To Live Without You (Live)

source : http://www.michaelbolton.com/discography.php

External link

• Michael Bolton's Official Site
• Michael Bolton Club - Official Fan Club
• Michael Bolton Charities Inc.

Rachelle Ferrell is an African American musician, renowned for her six and a half octave vocal range. Although she has had some success in the mainstream R&B, pop, gospel, and classical music scene, she is most noted for her talents as a contemporary jazz singer.

Ferrel began singing at the age of six, which contributed to her expansive vocal range. She received classical training on violin at an early age and by the time she was a teen, she was able to play the piano at a professional level. She enrolled in Berklee College of Music in Boston where she honed her musical abilities in arrangement, singing and songwriting.

Ferrell's 1992 eponymous debut album was released on Capitol Records and had a more contemporary/pop ambience. She, however, was also able to release jazz recordings on Blue Note Records, as a result of her unique contract.

Ferrell is noted for her vocal range capable of accessing the whistle register. In 'It Only Took A Minute', Rachell jumps from about a E4 to D7 without hitting any other pitch in between.

Genre: Jazz 
Styles:
   ..Crossover Jazz
   ..Contemporary Jazz
   ..Vocal Jazz
   ..Adult Contemporary

Years active: 
   ..90s, ..00s

Audio samples : D7 - It's Only Took A Minute"

Rachelle Ferrell has made her mark not as a straight-ahead jazz singer and pianist, but as a crossover artist who's equally at home with urban contemporary pop, gospel, classical music and jazz.

Notable songs include --

• Til You Come Back to Me
• With Every Breath I Take
• It Only Took a Minute
• You Don't Know What Love Is
• You Can't Get (Until You Learn to Start Giving)
• I Know You Love Me
• Sentimental
• Individuality (Can I Be Me?)
• Run to Me
• What Is This Thing Called Love?
• Welcome to My Love
• Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This

Vocal Profile

• Voice type: Contralto (With Coloratura abilities)
• Highest note: D7 (In the song It Only Took A Minute ), E7 (With Open Arms), F7
• Lowest note: B2
• Vocal range: 4.5 octaves (B2-E7)
• Longest note: 26 seconds
  

Eric Benét (born October 15, 1966 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is an American rhythm and blues and gospel singer.

Biography

Benét's father loved classical music and inspired an interest in music in his son. By his teens, Eric had formed a vocal group with his sister and cousin called "Benét." The group released a self-titled album in 1992 but only sold 70,000 copies possibly due to a lack of proper promotion by Capitol Records.

Also in 1992, Benét's girlfriend, Tami, gave birth to a daughter they named India. The couple's happiness was short-lived when Tami was killed in a car accident a little over a year later.

In 1994, Benét signed with Warner Brothers, releasing his solo debut album, True to Myself, in fall (1996). His next album, A Day in the Life, was released in 1999; its first single, "Georgy Porgy" received significant airplay, but the second single "Spend My Life With You," became a smash hit. The album rose to number one on the American R&B charts, was certified gold, and nominated for a 2000 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. It also later won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album, Male. Benét also was recorded for Earth, Wind, and Fire's 30th anniversary CD.

Benét has also been active as an actor; he had a recurring role on the television program For Your Love (1998 - 2002). He made his film debut in Glitter (2001).

He became engaged to actress Halle Berry in 1999 and the couple married in January of 2001. The couple separated in 2003 allegedly due to Benét's infidelity and have filed for divorce.

Discography

• True To Myself (1996)
• A Day in the Life (1999)

Vocal Profile

• Vocal Type: Heldentenor
• Highest note: F5
• Lowest note: G2
• Vocal Range: 3 octaves (G2-F5)