Yma Sumac

Yma Sumac on vinyl: the voice from the Andes

In short: Yma Sumac (1922–2008) from Peru had a voice whose range is often given as around four octaves – from deep notes to bird calls at the very top. In the fifties she became a star in the US with exotically arranged songs from the Andes. The Vinyl Room currently has 6 Yma Sumac records.

What makes Yma Sumac special?

A voice like a whole orchestra: on “Voice Of The Xtabay” (1950) melodies from Peru meet big Hollywood arrangements – a classic of exotica. “Fuego Del Ande” (1959) shows another side of her Andean music.

“Recital” captures a concert in Bucharest, and with “Miracles” she even ventured into rock music in the early seventies.

From our stock

First pressings

Records by Yma Sumac

→ Capitol Records · Easy listening · Latin on vinyl

FAQ

Where did Yma Sumac come from? From Peru.

What is exotica? A fifties style that wrapped foreign sounds and rhythms in lush, often fanciful arrangements.

What is “Recital”? A live recording of a concert in Bucharest.

Which records do you have? Editions from the fifties to the 2000s – 6 records in all.