Y is for Yma Sumac

The Rogue Speaks:

Well, last week I told you that I was going to connect my "X" and "Y" posts for Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday, and today I am fulfilling that promise.

I grew up in a home where there was music--classical, contemporary, and international, thanks to my father. I was a small child when I first heard the voice of Yma Sumac. She was quite the rage in the 40's and 50's, and her recordings made their way to the U.S. where they were eagerly snapped up by music aficionados who just could not believe her vocal range. It was totally amazing! Her vocal range was over five octaves. She was able to sing baritone notes as well as notes higher than an ordinary singer. The album my father bought was called "The Voice of Xtabay." Apparently no one in America knew how to spell Xtabai!!

Yma was born in Peru, and was believed to be an Incan princess, directly descended from Atahualpa, the last Incan emperor. Hmmm! That sounds suspiciously like the the subject of my last week's offering!!

She first appeared on radio in 1942, singing Peruvian folk music. The music that made her famous in many countries is called Exotica. She recorded many tracks of folk and Exotica, as well as a sultry selection of lounge music.

She died in Los Angeles at the age of 86.

Well, I've gotta jump now! It's time to research a "W" for next week!

p.s. The singer your hear in my musical selection from Playlist is YMA!!

Did I really say "W"???? I meant "Z"!!!!!