Maria Da Fé began singing Fado early. Since the age of nine in her hometown, she participated in private parties, winning contests. At eighteen she moved to Lisbon, was soon hired to sing in the main fado houses and then the Estoril Casino. Her first disc was in 1959. In 1963 - 64 she began musical experimentation, launching Pop-Fado, something criticized by traditionalists, but it resulted in a larger audience. In 1967, she finally achieved broad success with songs Worth, First Love, and 20s.