Voice of the Xtabay explained

Voice of the Xtabay
Type:studio
Artist:Yma Sumac
Cover:File:Voice of the Xtabay album cover.jpg
Released:1950
Recorded:1950
Genre:
Label:Capitol
Producer:Les Baxter
Next Title:Legend of the Sun Virgin
Next Year:1951

Voice of the Xtabay is the first studio album by Peruvian soprano Yma Sumac. It was released in 1950 by Capitol Records. It was produced and composed by Les Baxter, along with Moisés Vivanco and John Rose. Sumac sings on the album, accompanied by ethnic percussion and musical variations influenced by the music of Peru.[2] Sumac had a notable vocal range, of about five octaves.

The album entered several Billboard charts on the year of its release.[3]

The songs "Virgin of the Sun God", "High Andes!" and "Earthquake" were used in the 1954 film Secret of the Incas, which featured Sumac as Kori-Tica.

The album was reissued in the UK in 1956 with different artwork.[4] [5]

The album quickly sold 500,000 copies, and was No. 1 on Variety's best-seller list at the end of 1950, surpassing albums by Bing Crosby and Ethel Merman.[6] The album sold one million copies in 1950 alone.[7] [8] [9]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Adinolfi, Francesco. The Laboratory of Dr. Les Baxter. Pinkus. Karen. April 25, 2008. Mondo Exotica - Sounds, Visions, Obsessions of the Cocktail Generation. Duke University Press. Durham. 51.
  2. http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1108948/a/Voice+Of+The+Xtabay.htm Yma Sumac Voice Of The Xtabay CD
  3. https://books.google.com/books?id=vB0EAAAAMBAJ&dq=yma+sumac+album+sales&pg=PA15 Yma Sumac Billboard
  4. http://www.discogs.com/Yma-Sumac-Voice-Of-The-Xtabay/master/111703 Voice of the Xtabay
  5. http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/yma_sumac/voice_of_the_xtabay_f1/ Voice of the Xtabay (alternative edition)
  6. Web site: Yma Sumac, Vocalist of Exotic, Dies at 86. New York Times. Douglas. Martin. 4 November 2008. 18 April 2019.
  7. Web site: Hollywood intersection to be dedicated to late singer Sumac. Spectrum News. 22 September 2022. 13 September 2023.
  8. Web site: Google doodle honors Peruvian soprano Yma Sumac on her birthday. Fox News. 13 September 2016. 13 September 2023.
  9. https://elcafelatino.org/es/yma-sumac-cantante-princesa-inca/ YMA SUMAC, la cantante peruana llamada «Princesa inca exótica»