Yma Sumac, the 'Peruvian Songbird', Dies at 86

Yma Sumac, a Peruvian singer died on Saturday in her Los Angeles home after a battle with colon cancer. She was 86 years old.

Few actual biographical facts are available of the elusive actress and singer. She was known during the 1950s as the "Peruvian Songbird" and "Nightingale of the Andes". She claimed to be a descendant of the Inca emperor Atahulapa.

When she moved to the United States she signed a deal with Capitol records and recorded her first album "Voice of Xtabay", which sold 500,000 copies. She performed at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. She also appeared in the musical FLAHOOLEY on Broadway and in the films "Secret of the Incas" and "Omar Khayyam".

In the 1960's she continued her success with the album "Miracles". In the 1980's Sumac's career was rejuvenated by young fans all over the world wanting to experience the phenomenon for themselves. She had wildly successful sell-out tours from the mid-80's into the 1990's. By the mid 90's, Sumac's popularity reached even greater heights as the new term "exotica" (in correlation with what has come to be wincingly called "lounge" by today's standards) was coined and became a favorite genre among eclectic crowds of younger fans.

This millennium has brought a handful of surprise personal appearances, the highlight of which resulted in Yma Sumac being awarded the Orden Del Sol of Peru in May of 2006. She traveled to accept the honor in person, and stayed two weeks, accepting other awards almost daily.She is survived by her son with Moises Vivanco, Charles.

Her official web site reports that "It is with deep sadness, that we report that Yma Sumac passed away at 11 am on Saturday Nov 1st. It was peaceful. Those closest to her were at her side.

A very, very private funeral will be held at an undisclosed location. Per her and her closest relative's instructions, she will be interred in Hollywood, where she spent 60 years of her life.

Her last year was spent surrounded by people who loved her and looked after her with the very best care possible. It should be a consolation that she was always surrounded by flowers, your beautiful cards, photos of her glory days, and an extraordinary view of Los Angeles' west side. Also, her personal assistant's two little Chihuahua's, whom she loved dearly.

Although this news is written as "news" we are all devastated here. Indeed, there was plenty of time to prepare, but when that final moment comes, one finds they may not be at all prepared."

For more information on Yma Sumac, click here to visit her official web site.