María Elvira Gallegos Ríos, who would later become known as Elvia Rios, was both a pioneering actress and singer. Born in Mexico City in 1913, she made her debut in Mexican films singing Noche de ronda in the 1937 film, Q’eros: Hombres de Altura.
How she rose to fame differs depending from one source to the next, with one suggesting that Rios was discovered by the Mexican composer/songwriter, Agustín Lara. When the songwriter heard her singing his songs in a nightclub in Mexico City (with her deep contralto voice), he invited her to his house and promised to make her a great star. However, another source suggests that she became one of the main performers of the XEW station after she auditioned for Emilio Azcárraga Vidaurreta in 1936. From this she was immediately signed her for three daily 15-minute spots.
Whichever way it was that she made her name, one thing is for certain and that is she became one of the most notable performers of Agustin Lara’s songs. Rios was the first Mexican singer who achieved international success through radio, records, nightclub engagements, tours, and films. Such was her status that she became well-known in Mexico, the US, Brazil, Argentina and France (among other countries).
In the early 1940’s she recorded one of her first studio albums on the Decca label called, Tropic Nights. At the time of its release, the record received great reviews, with (British newspaper) Stage commending both Ríos’ performance and Morand’s orchestra: “Miss Rios displays perfect diction, great charm, and above all, a lovely voice. The orchestra accompanies in the best Latin tradition” Harper’s Bazaar described the album’s tracks as “Mexican and Cuban melodies smolderingly interpreted by Elvira Rios”.
Over the next few decades, Rios recorded for various other labels including RCA Víctor, Decca, and Musart Orfeón, but it is from her debut album that today’s song can be found. Perfidia is delicate and tender, yet Rios’ voice is powerful and resilient. I have no idea what she is singing about, but her tender warbles are so passionate and bewitching that you cannot help but fall in love with her? Everything about this song is exquisite; from the soft strings that bend and twist to the cantering rhythm, and I love the brass embellishments too!
This song just makes me smile!
Enjoy!
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