Olivia Byington

Biography by Alvaro Neder Olívia Byington is a praised and awarded Brazilian singer who has worked with such artists as Tom Jobim, Silvio Rodriguez, Djavan, Clara Sverner, Wagner Tiso, Chico Buarque, Turíbio Santos, Radamés Gnattali, João Carlos Assis Brasil, Paulo Moura, and Egberto Gismonti. Her expressive discography includes A Dama do Encantado, where she sings the repertory of Aracy de Ameida, one of the best interpreters of Noel Rosa's creations. She studied piano, violin, and classical guitar in her childhood. In 1977 she formed the group Antena Coletiva with Jacques Morelenbaum. She recorded her first album in the next year, Corra O Risco (Continental). In 1979, Byington was appointed the best vocalist of the '70s by critics. She became well known by performing alongside A Barca do Sol; later she wasinvited to work with Tom Jobim, Wagner Tiso, Chico Buarque, Turíbio Santos, Radamés Gnattali, João Carlos Assis Brasil, Paulo Moura, and Egberto Gismonti. In 1981 she was invited to perform in Cuba by Chico Buarque. Byington recorded her third album (Identidad) on the isle the next year, invited by Silvio Rodriguez. In 1983 she recorded the soundtrack for the film Para Viver um Grande Amor with Djavan and Tom Jobim. In the next year, together with Paulo Moura, Clara Sverner, and Turíbio Santos, she recorded Encontro (Kuarup), winning the Chiquinha Gonzaga trophy. In 1990 she toured Brazil together with João Carlos Assis Brasil. Byington continued to perform and record regularly in solo or in meetings with renowned artists, touring Portugal and Italy in 1995.