Brazilian singer and pianist Flavia de Mellow moved from Rio de Janeiro to Los Angeles in 1985 and built an international career. Influenced by jazz, Brazilian music, and classical traditions, her journey reflects constant artistic evolution.
Flavia de Mellow moved from Rio de Janeiro to Los Angeles in 1985 and never returned to live in Brazil.
This carioca singer from Rio de Janeiro arrived in Los Angeles in 1985 under unusual circumstances.
Flavia recalls that her father offered her a one-year trip to the U.S., later revealed to be an attempt to distance her from a boyfriend in Brazil.
“He succeeded, but to his surprise and chagrin, I never lived in Brazil again.”
Before moving, Flavia had already been active in music, performing with bands and fellow musicians in Brazil.
Early Career and First Steps in the U.S.
Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, Flavia worked in a French restaurant in Chatsworth as a cocktail waitress and jazz singer, marking the beginning of her professional path in the United States.
Over the years, she performed in renowned venues such as:
- Hollywood Bowl
- John Ford Amphitheatre
- House of Blues
She also played internationally with her band Flavia and the Mellow Men, and alongside artists like Lula Almeida and others across the U.S., Japan, France, and Malaysia.
A Musical Family and Strong Foundations
Flavia is both a singer and piano player:
“I have two instruments: my voice and keyboards.”
She comes from a deeply musical family:
- Her grandmother, Enizia, was her first piano teacher
- Her aunt Geraldina was an opera singer
- Her mother played guitar and sang Brazilian popular music
- Her father sang American jazz
These influences shaped her artistic identity from a young age.
Musical Formation and Influences
Flavia’s upbringing was immersed in music. She recalls singing jazz standards with her father and participating in “serestas” — informal musical gatherings — with her family.
Among the musicians who influenced her are:
Brazilian Artists
- Elis Regina
- Alcione
- Nana Caymmi
- Djavan
- Ivan Lins
- Milton Nascimento
- Gonzaguinha
International Inspirations
- Nina Simone
- Edith Piaf
- Amália Rodrigues
Classical Brazilian Composers
- Heitor Villa-Lobos
- Henrique Oswald
- Guerra Peixe
- Camargo Guarnieri
- Francisco Mignone
Original Compositions and Creative Process
Despite her vast repertoire, Flavia says the songs that bring her the most joy are her own compositions.
“Sometimes the whole song comes to me — melody and harmony at the same time. Other times, one comes before the other.”
She even recalls dreaming about performing a new song:
“I’ve dreamt I was singing a new song with my band, and the public was going wild!”
A Career in Constant Transformation
Flavia describes her career as a continuous journey, evolving like:
- The waves of the ocean
- The phases of the moon
- The changing seasons
One thing, however, remains constant:
Her music is always improving.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Flavia de Mellow?
A Brazilian singer and pianist who built her career in Los Angeles and internationally.
2. When did she move to the United States?
She moved to Los Angeles in 1985.
3. What kind of music does she perform?
She blends jazz, Brazilian music, and classical influences.
4. Did she come from a musical family?
Yes, multiple family members were musicians and influenced her early development.
5. Does she compose her own music?
Yes, and she considers her original compositions her greatest artistic pleasure.
