Carmen Miranda: O Que è Que a Bahiana Tem

The World

The samba “O Que è Que a Bahiana Tem” was recorded by the Brazilian singer Carmen Miranda in 1939. Dori Caymmi, the son of the songwriter, and biographer Martha Gil-Montero explain how the song brought Brazilian music to the global marketplace – with unforeseen consequences for Miranda.
“O Que è Que a Bahiana Tem” was chosen for preservation in 2009 in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
Studio 360’s series Inside the National Recording Registry was just honored with a 2012 Peabody Award. â?? Listen to more stories from the series
(Originally aired: December 24, 2009)

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.