American-born Brazilian popular singer, born 12 May 1966, New York City. She is the daughter of
João Gilberto and
Miucha, Bebel was born in New York City, where her parents were living at the time.
She started singing at an early age, doing backing vocals on albums for children. After a few attempts as a solo artist in Brazil in the 1980s, she wrote songs with
Cazuza and other pop/rockers, managing to put out an EP through Warner (which featured the hits Mais Feliz and Eu Preciso Dizer Que Te Amo). Bebel moved to New York City in 1991. Alternating between the US and UK, she has worked with
David Byrne,
Arto Lindsay and DJ
Towa Tei (former
Deee-Lite member), always trying to blend bossa nova into fresh musical concepts. Her first solo album, Tanto Tempo, was released in 2000 on [l794]. It was produced by Yugoslavian born Brazilian
Suba, who died shortly before the release of the CD.
There is a misconception that Bebel is the daughter of
Astrud Gilberto. Astrud was briefly married to Bebel's father
João Gilberto (1959-1964), before Bebel was born (1966), that's why the share the same surname.