Born in Lisbon's Alfama district in 1920, Amália Rodrigues rose to fame as the unrivaled queen of Portuguese fado. Despite a challenging upbringing, she made her professional singing debut at 19 and quickly became a star, captivating audiences in clubs across Portugal and Brazil. Rodrigues' unique style, blending urban and rural fado traditions, explored deeper themes of the soul and spirit, earning her international acclaim and a devoted following.

Throughout her career, Rodrigues released over 170 albums and toured extensively, becoming a symbol of Portuguese music and culture. Even as the popularity of fado waned in the 1960s, she remained a powerful force in the music industry, with hits like "Coimbra" solidifying her legacy. Rodrigues continued performing until her health declined, passing away in 1999 at the age of 79 and leaving behind a lasting impact on Portuguese music and society.