Owner of a distinctive, harsh voice (even if considering the conspicuous Armstrong mannerisms), Elza Soares is one of the most swinging samba singers, the peak of her success achieved in the late sixties. Soares always had her artistic career complicated by her personal life, which certainly impeded her of enjoying a more widespread popularity. Soares lived in extreme poverty throughout her childhood and teens. She married at 12 Soares had her first audition in radio at Ary Barroso's novice show when she was 16, winning first place.