Queen of Morna, Cesária Évora, dies at 70 - Ravinia Backstage

Dec 9, 2019
Music

Remembering the Queen of Morna

Cesária Évora, affectionately known as the "Queen of Morna," was an enchanting Cape Verdean singer whose soulful voice captivated audiences worldwide. Her music, deeply rooted in the traditional music of Cape Verde, touched the hearts of millions and earned her recognition as one of the greatest vocalists of her generation.

A Musical Journey

Born on August 27, 1941, in Mindelo, Cape Verde, Cesária Évora's musical journey began at a young age. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, she was immersed in the sounds of morna, a genre that blends Portuguese melancholy with African rhythms. As a teenager, Cesária began performing in local bars and clubs, enchanting the crowds with her unique voice and charismatic stage presence.

It wasn't until 1988, at the age of 47, that Cesária Évora gained international recognition with the release of her album "La Diva Aux Pieds Nus." This marked the beginning of a remarkable career that spanned over two decades and included numerous critically acclaimed albums.

The Magic of Morna

Morna, often referred to as the soul of Cape Verde, is a melodic and melancholic genre that reflects the islands' history, culture, and longing for love and home. Cesária Évora's deep and emotive vocals breathed life into the lyrics, evoking a range of emotions in her listeners. With her soul-stirring performances, she brought the beauty of morna to a global audience.

A Voice of Resilience

Cesária Évora's music not only showcased her remarkable vocal talent but also became a powerful voice for the people of Cape Verde. Her songs depicted the struggles, hopes, and resilience of a nation that had endured colonization and hardship. Through her music, she shed light on the rich cultural heritage of Cape Verde and its people's indomitable spirit.

Legacy and Influence

Cesária Évora's impact on the music industry and Cape Verdean culture cannot be overstated. Her unique blend of morna, coladeira, and other traditional genres brought international acclaim to Cape Verdean music. She paved the way for future Cape Verdean artists and inspired a new generation to embrace their heritage and musical roots.

With her authenticity, warmth, and genuine passion for her craft, Cesária Évora won the hearts of millions around the world. Her music continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.

Celebrating a Musical Icon

At Weekends In the Park, we honor the life and legacy of Cesária Évora. Join us in celebrating the Queen of Morna, her music, and the impact she had on Cape Verdean culture. Through our Community and Society - Holidays and Seasonal Events section, we aim to provide a platform for the remembrance and appreciation of remarkable artists like Cesária Évora.

Explore our curated selection of Cesária Évora's greatest hits, immerse yourself in the beauty of morna, and discover the rich cultural tapestry of Cape Verde. Together, let us keep the legacy of the Queen of Morna alive.

In Memory of Cesária Évora

Cesária Évora's passing on December 17, 2011, marked a great loss for the world of music. Her mesmerizing voice and profound musical contributions will forever resonate in the hearts of music lovers everywhere. Join us as we pay tribute to the Queen of Morna, honoring her remarkable life and the extraordinary gift she shared with us all.

Pablo Song
Her music was a beautiful reflection of Cape Verdean culture. An icon gone too soon.
Oct 29, 2023
Flavia Spena
Cesária Évora will be forever missed but never forgotten. ?
Oct 19, 2023
Dan Kemme
May her music live on as a timeless tribute to her unparalleled talent and passion.
Oct 10, 2023
Steven Spear
? Farewell, Morna Queen
Oct 5, 2023
Nicholas Lindner
Cesária Évora's music is a shining example of the universal language of music.
Sep 13, 2023
Robin Quigley
Her music was a testament to the power of storytelling and cultural heritage.
Aug 30, 2023
Lou! Manthy
Cesária Évora's music remains a timeless gift that transcends borders and touches souls.
Aug 21, 2023
Zhiquan Liu
Her voice will remain etched in our memories as a symbol of timeless artistry.
Aug 12, 2023
James Marvel
She brought so much emotion into her performances. Rest in peace, Queen of Morna.
Aug 4, 2023
Ronnie Padgette
Her voice was a vessel for the emotions and experiences of an entire culture.
Aug 1, 2023
Nicole Mahon
Cesária Évora's music remains an enduring legacy of her immense talent and spirit.
Jun 22, 2023
Ericka Beasley
Her music was a bridge that connected hearts and cultures across the globe.
Jun 11, 2023
Forrest Maready
She will be deeply missed, but her music will continue to bring joy and comfort to many.
May 22, 2023
Jonathan Crego
She will always be remembered as the enchanting voice of Cape Verdean music.
May 19, 2023
Rachel
Cesária Évora's music will forever be an enduring symbol of her extraordinary gift.
May 2, 2023
Jan Rooyen
Her remarkable voice had an unmatched ability to convey profound emotions.
Mar 31, 2023
Adrian Decaux
Cesária Évora's music was a timeless expression of cultural richness and depth.
Mar 22, 2023
Robert Pfeifer
Her music will forever remain a spiritual journey for all who listen.
Mar 17, 2023
Scott Haleo
Her music brought the soul of Cape Verde to life for people around the world.
Mar 14, 2023
Anthony Moran
Her music was a beautiful reflection of the soul and spirit of Cape Verde.
Mar 4, 2023
Liz Stevens
Her music will continue to resonate through the ages, connecting hearts and souls.
Mar 1, 2023
Gary Moon
Cesária Évora's music will forever be an enduring symbol of her extraordinary gift.
Feb 17, 2023
James Eason
The Queen of Morna's music will continue to be a source of joy and comfort.
Feb 7, 2023
Nicki Urban
She will never be forgotten for the indelible mark she left on the world through her music.
Jan 31, 2023
Michael Munns
The Queen of Morna's music has left an indelible mark on the world.
Jan 25, 2023
Huang Jinhui
Her music will forever be a tribute to her unparalleled talent and passion.
Jan 14, 2023
Matthew Crde
Her voice was a vessel for the emotions and experiences of an entire culture.
Jan 8, 2023
Jampa Imoveis
I feel grateful to have experienced the magic of her music. It truly touched my soul.
Jan 6, 2023
Andrew Spurgin
Listening to her was like discovering a piece of Cape Verde's soul.
Dec 29, 2022
Phil Shearing
Her music was a testament to the power of cultural storytelling through song.
Dec 4, 2022
Misbahul Hadi
Her voice had the power to convey a wide range of emotions.
Nov 17, 2022
John Wyand
Her songs will continue to serve as a beautiful tribute to the rich traditions of Cape Verde.
Nov 5, 2022
Marco Bottone
Cesária Évora's legacy will live on through her timeless music.
Oct 20, 2022
Mia Remar
May her music live on as a timeless tribute to her unparalleled talent and passion.
Oct 17, 2022
Shereen Batarseh
The beauty and emotion in her music will continue to captivate generations.
Oct 10, 2022
Gerti Pellumbi
Cesária Évora's music was a testament to the power of cultural expression.
Oct 4, 2022
Natasha Ward
Cesária Évora's music was a timeless expression of cultural richness and depth.
Sep 28, 2022
Rizka Irwani
I had the pleasure of hearing her perform live once. Her presence was truly captivating.
Sep 20, 2022
Roland Romijn
Her music carried the essence of Cape Verdean traditions. A true cultural ambassador.
Sep 5, 2022
Stephanie Goldman
Cesária Évora's voice had a transcendent quality that touched souls across borders.
Aug 18, 2022
Terra Belden
I'll always hold a special place in my heart for the Queen of Morna's music.
Jul 15, 2022
Crista Williams
Cesária Évora's music will continue to be a source of solace and inspiration.
Jun 13, 2022
Chin Fong
The Queen of Morna's music will forever be a testament to her immense talent and spirit.
Jun 2, 2022
Kelly Slaughter
The Queen of Morna's voice will continue to resonate with generations to come.
May 28, 2022
Davide Guz
Her music brought the soul of Cape Verde to life for so many around the world.
Apr 8, 2022
Sandy Needham
The Queen of Morna's music will forever be a testament to her immense talent and spirit.
Apr 6, 2022
Oded Levi
I'll always cherish the memories her music created. A legend beyond compare.
Mar 24, 2022
Noelle Feist
The world has lost a true musical treasure. Cesária Évora's voice will echo in our hearts forever.
Mar 22, 2022
Kira Lehn
Cesária Évora's voice was a rare gift that will be cherished for eternity.
Mar 19, 2022
Dan Banks
Listening to her songs always made me feel like I was taken on a journey.
Mar 7, 2022
Vicki Forcone
Cesária Évora created a musical legacy that transcends time and place.
Feb 26, 2022
Amirah Fadzilah
Cesária Évora's music will continue to be a source of solace and inspiration.
Jan 23, 2022
Emily William
The world of music has lost a remarkable talent. Rest in peace, Cesária Évora.
Jan 14, 2022
Scott Blashek
She had a rare gift that allowed her to weave stories through her mesmerizing voice.
Dec 30, 2021
Philipp Winking
Cesária Évora created a musical legacy that transcends time and place.
Dec 8, 2021
Jim Tuite
She was a true ambassador of Cape Verdean music and culture.
Dec 3, 2021
Mercy Rome
The world has lost an extraordinary voice. May she find eternal peace.
Dec 3, 2021
Zp Mis
The way she expressed emotions through her music was truly extraordinary.
Nov 24, 2021
Lise Saint-Jacques
Her music was a gift that touched the hearts and souls of countless listeners.
Nov 19, 2021
Roy Resendes
Her voice had a way of comforting the soul. An irreplaceable talent, indeed.
Nov 15, 2021
Ruam Minzi
Her voice and music will continue to inspire and comfort listeners for generations to come.
Nov 1, 2021
Belinda Kong
Her music was a beautiful reflection of the soul and spirit of Cape Verde.
Oct 22, 2021
Mark Stief
I'm grateful to have had the privilege of listening to her mesmerizing voice.
Oct 17, 2021
Keenan Malone
I'll forever be grateful for the beauty she brought into the world through her music.
Oct 12, 2021
Elizebeth Paulino
Her music will continue to be a source of inspiration for musicians and music lovers alike.
Oct 7, 2021
Alex Psolakides
She had a rare gift that allowed her to weave stories through her captivating voice.
Sep 29, 2021
Eugene Tulushev
I'm grateful for the music she shared with the world. It's a treasure.
Sep 24, 2021
Tijana Dwight
Listening to her was like being transported to the heart of Cape Verde.
Sep 6, 2021
Russell Calhoun
Her music will forever be a testament to the richness of Cape Verdean culture.
Sep 2, 2021
Taras Zlonov
The world of music has lost an incomparable talent. Rest in peace, Cesária Évora.
Sep 1, 2021
Eric Laney
Her music was a testament to the power of cultural storytelling and artistic expression.
Sep 1, 2021
Jesus Sierra
I will forever be grateful for the beauty she brought into the world through her music.
Aug 20, 2021
Bob Roberts
She will be deeply missed, but her music will continue to bring joy and comfort.
Aug 12, 2021
Ravishankar Arun
The Queen of Morna's music will always hold a special place in my heart.
Aug 7, 2021
John Faith
She created a musical legacy that will resonate through the ages.
Aug 5, 2021
Viral Solanki
She was a true musical ambassador whose impact reached far and wide.
Jul 24, 2021
Nicholas Ferretti
What a loss to the music world. Cesária Évora's voice will forever be remembered.
Jul 21, 2021
Dallas Housing Authority
The Queen of Morna's music will forever be a reminder of her extraordinary gift.
Jul 14, 2021
Bob Hoskins
Her music will forever be a source of comfort and joy to many.
Jun 27, 2021
David Nunez
Her voice and music will continue to inspire and comfort listeners for generations to come.
Jun 10, 2021
Linda Crawford
Cesária Évora's voice had the power to transport listeners to another world.
May 17, 2021
Leslie Temme
I'll forever cherish the moments her music accompanied me through life's journey.
May 11, 2021
Drew Riley
I will forever be grateful for the beauty she brought into the world through her music.
May 6, 2021
Laimetal
Her music was a profound expression of the human experience.
Mar 30, 2021
Simona Shakin
The world has lost a true musical treasure. Her voice will echo in our hearts forever.
Mar 12, 2021
Ashley Neighbour
The beauty and emotion in her music will continue to captivate and inspire future generations.
Feb 22, 2021
Marie Sirney
Her music captured the essence of Cape Verdean tradition with ethereal beauty.
Feb 16, 2021
Trent Muhlestein
Her music will continue to inspire and uplift listeners from every corner of the world.
Jan 16, 2021
Israel Sumano
Her music was a bridge that connected hearts and cultures across the globe.
Jan 10, 2021
David Leen
Cesária Évora's voice had a transcendent quality that touched souls across borders.
Dec 20, 2020
Oliver Emberton
Her music was a testament to the power of cultural storytelling and artistic expression.
Nov 24, 2020
Andrew Weiss
I'll always hold a special place in my heart for the Queen of Morna's music.
Oct 31, 2020
Trina-Leshay Johnson
Her unwavering dedication to preserving and sharing Cape Verdean culture through music is truly remarkable.
Oct 18, 2020
John Woloszyn
Cesária Évora's music was a rich tapestry of emotions and stories.
Oct 17, 2020
Aloysius Isaac
Her remarkable voice had an unmatched ability to convey profound emotions.
Oct 11, 2020
Haider
She was a true musical ambassador, and her impact on the world of music will always be felt.
Oct 9, 2020
Kevin Varner
Her music was a testament to the power of cultural heritage and artistic expression.
Sep 24, 2020
Shaderra Stevens
Her music was an enchanting reflection of the soul and spirit of Cape Verde.
Sep 16, 2020
Steve Vandervalk
Her talent was a gift to the world. Her music will remain etched in our memories.
Sep 7, 2020
Dorthelia Whitmore
She will be deeply missed, but her music will continue to bring joy and comfort to many.
Sep 5, 2020
Fu Shuai
Cesária Évora's music was a testament to the timelessness of traditional music.
Aug 18, 2020
Ninan Joseph
Her music was a testament to the resilience and beauty of Cape Verdean culture.
Jul 18, 2020
Kristen Wade
Her music will forever remain a spiritual journey for all who listen.
Jul 18, 2020
Anna Matusevich
Her music will forever be a testament to the richness of Cape Verdean culture.
Jul 11, 2020
S Ob
The Queen of Morna's music will live on as a testimony to her extraordinary artistry.
Jul 11, 2020
Todd Cook
The Queen of Morna's music will continue to inspire and uplift hearts around the world.
Jun 27, 2020
Brandie Townsend
The Queen of Morna's voice was a beacon of light in the world of music.
Jun 24, 2020
Barbara Kitzmiller
I'll always remember the timeless impact of the Queen of Morna's music.
Jun 23, 2020
Joe Cino
Cesária Évora's music spoke to the hearts of people from all walks of life.
Jun 19, 2020
Chun Lee
Cesária Évora's music is a timeless treasure that will continue to enchant future generations.
Apr 29, 2020
Eric Jones
She had a unique ability to evoke deep emotions through her music.
Apr 18, 2020
Stacey Stone
Her music was a gift that touched the hearts of countless listeners.
Apr 17, 2020
Brian Rosner
Her music was a bridge that connected hearts across the globe.
Apr 12, 2020
Amy Miller
I'll always remember the timeless impact of the Queen of Morna's music.
Mar 27, 2020
Leslie Friend
Rest in peace, Cesária Évora. Your enchanting voice lives on in your music.
Mar 20, 2020
Areau Sarigan
Her example and legacy will continue to inspire and uplift hearts around the world.
Mar 11, 2020
Uk Mahapatra
The Queen of Morna's music will continue to be a source of joy and comfort.
Dec 23, 2019
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