Lio Biography
Early Career
Lio, born as Vanda Maria Ribeiro Furtado Tavares de Vasconcelos in 1962, is a Portuguese singer and actress who made her mark on the music industry in the late 1970s. Inspired by Jacques Duvall, she partnered with songwriter Jay Alanski in 1979 to release her first two singles, 'Le Banana Split' and 'Amoureux solitaires,' which gained instant popularity in France. Her self-titled debut album, produced by Marc Moulin and Dan Lacksman, further solidified her place in the industry.
Collaborations
Throughout the 1980s, Lio continued to explore her musical talents, collaborating with renowned artists such as Sparks and John Cale. She also ventured into acting, making her debut in Chantal Akerman's film 'Golden Eighties.' Lio successfully balanced her professional pursuits with motherhood, raising six children named Nubia, Igor, Esmeralda, Garance, Léa, and Diego.
Rise to Popularity and Acting Career
Lio's popularity soared in the 1980s with hits like 'Amour toujours' and 'Des fleurs pour un caméléon.' Alongside her musical success, she appeared in notable films like Claude Lelouch's 'Itinéraire d'un enfant gâté' and Marie Darrieussecq's 'Le Bébé.' In recognition of her contributions to popular art, Lio was honored as a Chevalier des Arts de la Couronne de Belgique.
Musical Comeback
Recently, Lio has made a triumphant return to the music scene after recording music in Cuba with her partner Michel Esteban. She maintains her fresh and vibrant sound by collaborating with emerging artists like Hoshi, Jennaya, and Corinne. Lio takes on a unique and endearing role as she considers these young artists her 'children.'