Nor Bert of the facebook Music – Eurovision and beyond wrote the following peace. Even here in South Africa (with a large Portuguese community) the news reported of his death and called him the Frank Sinatra of fado.
Carlos do Carmo passed away….
he was a well-known Lisbon-style fado singer. He innovated fado by allowing influences of jazz and chansons in his music. Partly because of this, the reactionary image of fado was improved. He made his first recordings in 1963. Outside Portugal, Carlos Do Carma was best known for his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 1976. With the song Uma flor de verde pinho he had previously won Festival da Canção, the Portuguese pre-selection for the song festival. He finished in twelfth place at the Eurovision Song Contest. Carlos do Carma died on January 1, 2021, at the age of 81, in Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon.
Head of TV Entertainment Portugal – broadcaster RTP
I am disappointed and surprised that Portugal has decided not to join in the competition for Eurovision 2016 – Stockholm.
Having visited Portugal in 2009 I found the country to be steeped in music and the traditional music, Fado, was very moving and unique. It is a lament to all that has been lost…in love and in war. This wonderful music was performed from so many different musicians from humble men in their local cafe or bar to professional Fado artists who had perfected their craft and sound. I felt that Portugal had a strong musical spirit and this is supported by the fact that Portugal has been an entrant is 48 Eurovision competitions and this is the most of any country! A remarkable feat of persistence! This fact shows that the country loves music and always enjoys a chance to perform. What a wonderful way to showcase Portugal to the rest of Europe and the world. Keep entertaining us Portugal. We need to hear more of your special music.
Please reconsider…It is only a matter of time until Portugal wins but of course if Portugal does not enter, then their time for winning will never come!
