There are voices. And then there’s Yma Sumac.
Born high in the Peruvian Andes and blessed with a vocal range of over five octaves, Yma Sumac became a global phenomenon. Her voice could roar like thunder, whisper like wind, or soar like birds in flight – all in the same song.
Decades after her rise to fame, she remains one of the most fascinating vocalists the world has ever known. Here’s why.
Who Was Yma Sumac?
Yma Sumac (pronounced “ee-mah soo-mak”), born Zoila Augusta Emperatriz Chávarri del Castillo in 1922, grew up surrounded by Andean music and mythology. Her Quechua name means “How beautiful,” and that beauty extended far beyond her appearance.
She moved to the United States in the 1940s, signed to Capitol Records, and released her breakout album “Voice of the Xtabay” in 1950. With that, her voice – and mystique – captivated the world.
A Five-Octave Vocal Range That Defied Belief
Most professional singers have a vocal range of two to three octaves. Yma Sumac had five. That means she could comfortably sing notes ranging from B2 to C#7, a range so rare, it was thought impossible at the time.
Her voice wasn’t just wide in range, it was expressive. She could mimic birds, instruments, animals, and even the elements of nature. This made her a perfect icon of the emerging exotica genre in postwar America — though she transcended all labels.
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From Peru to the World Stage
After her Hollywood Bowl debut in 1950, Yma Sumac became an international sensation. She performed at Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and toured across Europe, Asia, and even the Soviet Union. There she gave nearly 200 concerts in over 40 cities.
Her shows were as much visual spectacles as they were musical experiences. Dressed in regal gowns inspired by Incan royalty, Yma presented herself as an otherworldly force: part diva, part priestess.
A Legacy That Still Resonates
Yma Sumac passed away in 2008 at the age of 86, but her legacy remains powerful. In 2022, Los Angeles honored her 100th birthday with a bronze bust – a symbol of her impact on music and culture.
Today, new generations are discovering her work through TikTok clips, YouTube videos, and vinyl reissues. Her voice continues to defy logic, and remind us of the full, mystical power of human sound.
Sources: OperaWire, LA Times, WUOT/NPR
