To me there are few recording artists who ooze 'WFMU' as much as Yma Sumac. Yma's 5 octave range could outscreech the loveliest tropical bird or simulate a rumble from the depths of a subway tunnel. Her 1950 release "Voice of the Xtabay" seduced Eisenhower America as she rose to popularity, strewing tiki huts and Andean flavor in her wake. Yma was born Zoila Augusta Emperatriz Chavarri del Castillo on September 13, 1922 in Peru. Depending on what part of the Sumac legend you want to believe, she was the sixth child of an Indian mother and an Indian/Spanish father, who raised her as a Quechuan. Her performance career blossomed in regional festivals, before moving to the big city of Lima. In 1942, through her work with a performance and dance collective there, she met and married Moises Vivanco, the leader of the Compania. Four years later, Vivanco and Sumac moved with a cousin to New York, to perform as a three piece. By 1950, they were welcomed in NYC nightclubs, playing on radio and television, and a constant presence on the Borscht Belt circuit in the Catskills.
While putting her exotic stamp on the lounge music scene of the 1950's, Yma Sumac's outrageous history seemed fabricated to some fans, who in turn fabricated an equally odd rumor that suggested she was born Amy Camus, a nice Jewish girl from Brooklyn, NY. ('yma sumac' backwards...) Hollywood called, and most notably she starred opposite Charlton Heston in 1954's "Secret of the Incas". Heston was a man who knew a little about fabricating himself. He played a Mexican in Orson Welles' film "Touch of Evil", and then later would fabricate himself as a human in his high profile role as head of the NRA.
As the lounge decade turned over to peace, love, and rock and roll, Yma made one last recording in 1971. She gradually performed less frequently, and retired to the glamor of Hollywood, where she died this weekend at the age of 86.
aw man, i was a fan, so i feel bad i thought she was already dead.
also, the conspiracy theorist in me wants to believe the Amy Camus bit for some reason.
Posted by: trav | November 03, 2008 at 08:33 AM
In the summer of 1992, my roommate and I went to see Yma Sumac perform at Club Cafe in Boston. He brought flowers, and after passing them to her onstage, we were invited back to her dressing room to meet her. One thing I clearly remember was as she was holding court, signing autographs and such, her huge bra was draped over the back of her chair. I still have the signed program from that night and a great memory.
Posted by: Angela | November 03, 2008 at 12:53 PM
I first heard Yma Sumac on Greasy Kid Stuff.
Go figure.
Posted by: Richard | November 03, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I am sad to hear that Yma has left. Another of the greats passes on.
"Legend of The Sun Virgin" and "Voice of the Xtabay" are both classic, two of my desert island picks. It's great to play Yma for my musician friends... her stunning range has lifted many an eyebrow. She's often served as essential listening for long road trips, especially at night.
I'd love to hear her psychedelic album! Has anyone done a re-issue on CD?
Posted by: st vincent | November 04, 2008 at 04:10 AM
Very sad to see this. I saw her twice in NYC in the mid 1980s as she made a comeback. She was amazing and still could hit the high notes. Her music is brilliant and I still listen to it..
Posted by: RickJ | November 04, 2008 at 07:34 AM
RIP Yma Sumac!
I own the "psych album. It's kinda really heavy rock with her vocals, a little on in years. It's a bit awkward honestly, and you could tell that people unfamiliar with rock as a genre were doing a cash-in album. More of an oddity. Of course this is still better than Top 40!
Also, Eisenhower didn't take office until 1953. I think you meant Truman.
Posted by: Quizmasterchris | November 04, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I'd love to hear her psychedelic album also! didn't know there was one!? perhaps it will be re-issued in short order...
Posted by: spaceboy5367 | November 04, 2008 at 12:04 PM
you can click on the link to 'the last recording she made in 71' and that will take you to a blog that features that recording, "Miracles". When I say 'Eisenhower America" it is a term often used to suggest the white bread, Ozzie and Harriet America that was often xenophobic and hostile to change. The enigma of exotica is that it became the soundtrack of many 1950's families.
Posted by: trouble | November 04, 2008 at 02:22 PM
NEVER to be forgotten! Phenomena of Her voice- shall remain! RIP, Divina!
Posted by: fanofcoloraturas-GR | November 04, 2008 at 03:25 PM
1. She sounded like a theramin.
2. Fuck you, re: the Heston remark.
Posted by: Listener Dave Viking Lives! | November 04, 2008 at 07:26 PM
My friend, Joe, and I saw Yma Sumac at her farewell concert at Club Cafe in Boston. After the show, we went backstage where she was holding court. She was gracious and Joe made her laugh by telling her he once got a fortune in a fortune cookie that said: YOU ALONE KNOW THE WHEREABOUTS OF YMA SUMAC. FIND HER! Yma LOVED that and gave Joe permission to kiss her ring! What a riot. I remember the club served free mudslides that night which made us think we were hearing the voice of God when Yma sang! God and The Universe Bless Your Way Always, Yma!!!
Posted by: Leo Racicot | November 05, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Exotica is only an 'enigma' if you run on the assumption that people were xenophobic, and afterward draw your circle of evidence to exclude facts such as the popularity of exotica based upon that belief. I don't think this is how anthropolists work...
"The Wunga-Wunga people of Booga Island hate pineapple... which is what makes the annual Pineapple Festival such an enigma!"
It appears people were fairly open to what little they were exposed to. I credit most middle America with behaving decently when given the opportunity.
Posted by: Quizmasterchris | November 05, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Did she come on the scene before Martin Denny or simultaneously? I always bought the "Camus" myth. Dave -- hurry, you only have a few months to stock up on assault rifles. Cheers.
Posted by: Dale | November 05, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Yma pre-dated Martin Denny. His Hawaiian club residencies started in 1954 and his most famous "Exotica" release came out in '57.
Posted by: trouble | November 05, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Pity you made that remark about Charlton Heston: it was entirely uncalled for. Shame on you. You should have been honouring the great gift that Yma Sumac has left us, not slandering the character of the recently deceased Mr. Heston.
Posted by: James Byrne | November 07, 2008 at 05:13 AM
James
First of all, great "Secret of the Incas" site. I learned a great deal and added the film to my Netflix.
I am a fan of many films starring Charlton Heston. He was a great actor and from what I read on your site, a very gracious man. However, as an American, it is hard for me to separate that great legacy from the parting image I have of Mr. Heston. When he was head of the NRA he made speeches filled with hateful and violent language. Mr. Heston brought a extremism to the issue that is not helpful for anyone. America has 30,000 deaths annually caused by guns. This has left me with very mixed feelings about him. If only our country was more civilized regarding guns like your fair island.
Thanks again for the site James.
Cheers.
Posted by: Roger | November 07, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Hey there. The '71 recording is amazing! But just check out the comments section on that blog post, there's the next Francis E. Dec there!
I have to find out who this is.
Sample from the site:
"There is one geographic clue I have not addressed in years:::Uranus, a planet tilted 90 degrees on its axis. I have stated in years past that I think this is yet another geographic clue offered by the gods, this one suggesting the fate of planet Earth, that tectonic plate subduction would be the method of disposal:::Earth’s axis will shift breaking continental plates free and initiating mass subduction.
Undesirables will either perish in the government marijuana erradication program "gone awry" or be the recipients of reparations granted by the US government because of it.
Or both.
I believe the New Testiment battle of the Anti-Christ and the Second Coming of Christ will ocurr in subsequent years SPECIFICALLY because these people will be distracted with the money during the event.
When the Earth's axis shifts people will be cast into outer space with gold cards in hand.
I think this was foreshadowed on an episode of the Simpsons where Homer and Bart are on the disfavored ship and eject, only to experience a sense of euphoria, expand then explode in the vacuum of space."
Posted by: em2 | November 07, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Roger,
Thanks for your kind remarks about my SECRET OF THE INCAS website. We disagree about Heston ... but let's leave it at that. Nice talking with you my friend, and good luck to you.
James Byrne.
Posted by: James Byrne | November 12, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Roger,
Many thanks for your kind words regarding my website. We don't agree about Heston, but it's been good talking to you. All the best, mate.
James Byrne.
Posted by: James Byrne | November 12, 2008 at 01:30 PM
I am of Peruvian descent and was proud of Yma Sumac vocal talent, may she rest in peace and her music live on for us to enjoy!
Posted by: Judy | December 05, 2008 at 01:08 PM