Known for her outlandish costumes and over-the-top fruit hats, Carmen Miranda was in fact a talented singer with lovely voice and incredible enunciation. Although her image often became caricatured, Carmen introduced Brazilian music to North America.

Born Maria do Carmo Miranda de Cunha on February 9, 1909, singer and actress Carmen Miranda was the first Brazilian performer to attain international stardom. Living in Rio de Janeiro, she worked odd jobs where her habit of singing on the job brought her to the attention of a radio station. Soon after, Carmen began performing on the Brazilian club circuit. She became huge hit and signed to RCA in 1928. Seemingly overnight, Carmen Miranda became a big star throughout Brazil.

After achieving great fame in Brazil, Carmen and her band moved to Hollywood in the 1930s. In Hollywood, she landed cameo roles in movies and became a popular musical performer throughout the United States. Her natural talent for song is well-evidenced in the Collector’s Choice Music release, Bombshell from Brazil.

This collection of 1940s radio performances presents Carmen Miranda at her best. Not only do you get to hear Carmen’s gift for song, but you also get to experience Carmen’s talent for telling jokes. Her friendly and tongue-in-cheek delivery is bound to make any listener smile.

Bombshell from Brazil features Carmen and her band in variety of live settings. Included in the recordings are Carmen’s 1944-45 performances on the radio shows Command Performance, Jubilee and Mail Call. Also featured are songs taped during a nightclub performance in 1950.

The album ends on a poignant note. The last track is a heated song-and-dance number entitled "Give Them Something New" from the Jimmy Durante TV Show filmed on August 4, 1955. Near the end of the performance, you can hear Carmen Miranda say, “I’m all out of breath.” Later that evening she passed away from a heart attack at age 46.

But don’t let that somber note keep you from enjoying this collection of Carmen Miranda’s songs. This feisty Brazilian bombshell’s legacy is one to be enjoyed and celebrated. You can’t help but feel Carmen’s joy for life as she sings. I guarantee you’ll be singing and dancing along in no time.