1. A Brazilian MPB singer and s… Read Full Bio ↴There are two artists who use this name:
1. A Brazilian MPB singer and songwriter
2. A Grammy-nominated American jazz singer
1. Maysa Figueira Monjardim Matarazzo (June 6, 1936, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – January 22, 1977, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), better known as Maysa Matarazzo or simply Maysa, was a Brazilian singer, songwriter and actress, being one of the first female songwriters of Brazil and one of the precursors of the genre samba-canção. She had great success in the 1950s and 1960s, known especially for her pessimistic, hopeless, melancholic and dramatic lyrics and interpretations, very characteristic of her image and career. She is also associated with bossa nova music, but is widely known as a torch song (música de fossa) interpreter.
Maysa's grandfather was Alfeu Adolfo Monjardim de Andrade e Almeida, the 1st Baron of Monjardim, and wife Laurinda Luísa Pinto Pereira. Maysa showed talent at a young age and by twelve had written a samba song, which later became a hit from her first album. She married André Matarazzo Filho, a member of a wealthy and traditional São Paulo family in 1954 at the age of 18 and two years later had a son, Jayme Monjardim. Jayme would later be known as a television director. In the late 1950s she formed a successful bossa nova group and also did television work relying on her magnificent pair of gorgeous green eyes.
Her tour to Buenos Aires first projected bossa nova beyond Brazil's borders but was not without controversy. The tour was a great success and extended to Chile and Uruguay, but Maysa had an affair with the show's producer, Ronaldo Bôscoli, a journalist and composer linked romantically to bossa nova's muse Nara Leão. This led not only to a break between Nara and Ronaldo, but also to a fracture in the bossa nova movement. Nara supported Carlos Lyra's nationalist vertent of the bossa nova movement, to the detriment of Boscoli's more orthodox approach, emphasizing form rather than content in bossa nova compositions. Nara also began courting older composers of traditional sambas, such as morro composers Zé Kéti and Cartola. She also became an idol of the protest song genre against the military dictatorship in Brazil. Nara's pocket show "Opinião" marked the start of a series of protest musical shows, which both in Rio and São Paulo distracted the public from the main themes of "the love, the smile and the flower", typical of the bossa nova years. So Maysa became "persona non grata" both to the bossa-novistas and the protest singers and her career faltered. She reacted by marrying Spaniard music producer Miguel Anzana, with whom she moved to Spain and began a series of presentations not only in Spain, but also Portugal, Italy and France.
Her personal life, already tumultuous, became even more chaotic leading to her being called "the Janis Joplin of Bossa Nova". But she later made a come back with one of the first notable shows in Rio's "Canecão" venue, the equivalent of Carnegie Hall in NYC. Maysa also played the Olympia in Paris to a full house twice and enjoyed considerable success in Europe. She is still considered the best Brazilian "torch song" (fossa) musician, rivaled only perhaps by Nora Ney as interpreter and Dolores Duran as composer. Upon her return to Brazil, Maysa continued to blend her old unique "broken love affair" trademarks with the more current festival style and occasional bossa nova hits. In the 1970s Maysa tapped her actress side and acted on a few telenovelas in Brazil. She also composed the soundtrack for a Rede Globo telenova just as the TV network became the powerhouse of Brazilian soap operas. She appeared more in peace with herself in latter years but died in a car crash in 1977, on the Rio-Niterói bridge, which connects the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói over the Guanabara Bay.
In January 2009, 32 years after her death, a miniseries about her life was broadcast on Brazilian television and spanned two new books about one of Brazil's most charismatic divas. Maysa's style influenced the following generations of Brazilian female singers and composers, with great ascendancy in the works of Angela Ro Ro, Simone, Cazuza, Leila Pinheiro and Fafá de Belém.
2. Maysa Leak (born August 17, 1966) is an American jazz singer better known by her mononym Maysa. She is well known by fans of smooth jazz both for her solo work and for her work with the British band Incognito.
After receiving her degree from Morgan State University, Maysa headed to Southern California to perform with Stevie Wonder’s female backup group Wonderlove, While with Wonder, Maysa was a vocalist on the Jungle Fever soundtrack and performed on numerous television shows including The Arsenio Hall Show, Oprah and The Tonight Show.
It was during an over-the-telephone audition in the early 90s, that Maysa become a member of the acclaimed British jazz/funk/R&B band Incognito and in 1992 she relocated to London and recorded Tribes, Vibes & Scribes, featuring the hit single "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing." Since then, Maysa has appeared on over seven Incognito recordings.
Maysa recorded her self-titled debut in 1995, followed by her second album All My Life in 2000, Out of The Blue in 2002, Smooth Sailing in 2004, Sweet Classic Soul in 2006, and now Feel The Fire, 2007. In 2008, Metamorphosis peaked at No.1 on Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz top 100 chart and no.13 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. In 2010, "A Woman in Love", Maysa 8th Solo cd debuted at No.1 on the Contemporary Jazz Charts. Maysa's 9th solo album,Motions of Love, released in November 2011, debuted at No. 1 on Billboards Contemporary Jazz Charts and Number 7 on the R&B charts.
Maysa has also collaborated with well-known jazz performers like Gerald Veasley, Rick Braun, Will Downing, Jason Miles' Soul Summit, Rhythm Logic, Jonathan Butler and Pieces of a Dream.
In 2009, Maysa won the very first new Soul Train Award named for the brand's new owners, CENTRIC. The Cenric Award : Soul Approved /Underground.
Maysa Leak was a spokesperson for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a disease that can be fatal to premature babies. She appears in RSV PSA commercials, with her son Jazz, sponsored for the March of Dimes.
In 2013, Maysa received her first Grammy nomination in the "Best Traditional R&B Performance" award category for the song "Quiet Fire" from her album Blue Velvet Soul.
Head To The Sky
Maysa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd find peace in every way,
but in search for the clue
wrong things I was bound to do
Keep my head to the sky
for the clouds to tell me why
As I grew with strength
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
Gave me the will to be free
purpose to live is reality
Found myself never alone
changes come to make me strong
Step right up, be a man
You need faith to understand
so we're saying for you to hear
Keep your head in faith's atmosphere
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
In Maysa's song Head To The Sky, the lyrics convey a strong message of hope, faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. The words begin with the singer recounting a conversation with her mentor or "Master" who told her that she would only find peace by looking upwards, towards the sky. Despite her best efforts to do the right thing, she admits that she made mistakes along the way. However, she remained determined to keep her "head to the sky", hoping that the clouds would provide the answers she was searching for.
As the song progresses, Maysa sings about the strength that she acquired from her hardships, and how her desire to be free allowed her to find purpose in life. She acknowledges that change was a significant factor in making her a stronger person, and urges her listeners to have faith as they face their own challenges. The last verse of the song is a call to action, urging listeners to step up and embody the qualities of faith and perseverance in their own lives.
Overall, the song is both inspiring and uplifting, as it encourages listeners to stay true to their beliefs and to always keep their head held high, no matter what obstacles they may face. Through her lyrics, Maysa reminds us that adversity is a part of life, and that having faith in ourselves and our abilities is essential to achieving our goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Master told me one day
I was once told by my mentor
I'd find peace in every way,
That I would discover inner harmony in all aspects of my life,
but in search for the clue
However, I was uncertain of where to begin looking
wrong things I was bound to do
Thus, I encountered various obstacles and made mistakes along the way
Keep my head to the sky
Thus, I look heavenward and maintain a positive outlook
for the clouds to tell me why
Hoping to gain understanding and insight from nature's signs
As I grew with strength
Gaining newfound fortitude and resilience
Master kept me as I repent
My mentor continued to guide me despite my previous errors
Keep your head to the sky
Thus, I encourage others to maintain their optimism and faith
Gave me the will to be free
I was bestowed with the determination to live unhindered
purpose to live is reality
To fully embrace my existence and leave my mark on the world
Found myself never alone
Realizing that I was never truly without support or companionship
changes come to make me strong
I learned that adapting to change is crucial for growth
Step right up, be a man
It is time to step forward and take control of your life
You need faith to understand
One must have faith in order to comprehend the larger picture.
so we're saying for you to hear
So, we are reiterating this message for you to remember
Keep your head in faith's atmosphere
Continuously maintain a spiritual and optimistic attitude in order to persist through life's challenges
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MAURICE WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jae White
Maysa is one of the RARE artist who REFUSES to alter her artistry to keep up with the industry, so she is not played on radio or promoted! "PLEASE SUPPORT NEO-SOUL"
These are the Neo-Soul Artists that are staying true to their craft people like Angela Johnson, Amel Larrieux, Adriana Evans, Alice Smith, Alice Russell, Bilal, Carol Riddick, Chico Debarge, Cilla K., Conya Doss, The Endangered, Eric Roberson, Gaelle, Renee Neufville, Jean Baylor, Shana Tucker,
The Foreign Exchange, Frank McComb, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Incognito,
Janelle Monáe, Jarrard Anthony, Marcell Russell, Gwen Bunn,
Jesse Boykins III, Jose James, Groove Theory, Carlitta Durand,
Karen Bernod, Keite Young, Lady,
Laura Mvula, Little Dragon, Lynne Fiddmont, Marcell & The Truth, Marlon Saunders, Maysa, Me'Shell Ndegéocello, Omar, Quadron, Minnie Riperton, Navasha Daya, Solange, Zo!, Repercussions, Rahsaan Patterson,
Rhonda Thomas, Teri Tobin, Tess Henley, Caron Wheeler,
The Internet, Terri Walker, Thundercat, Rajdulari, Maurissa Rose,
Tracy Cruz, Trizonna McClendon, Gina Carey,
Valerie June, Vannessa Simon, Kem,
Vikter Duplaix, W. Ellington Felton,
Yolanda Rabun, Sandra St. Victor, AYA,
India.Arie, Heston, Maxwell, Erykah Badu,
Fertile Ground, Deborah Bond, Darien,
Deborah Jordan, Darien Brockington, Darrius,
Angie Stone, Corinne Bailey Rae, Choklate,
Ola Onabule, Cooly's Hot-Box, Clara Hill, Nik West,
Big Brooklyn Red, Carmen Rodgers, Carol Riddick, April Hill, Avani, Avery*Sunshine, V,
Abby Dobson, D'Angelo, ,The Brand New Heavies,
Tony! Toni! Toné!, Raphael Saadiq, Andy Allo, Zap Mama,
The Floacist, Cherokee, Bria Valente, Zhané, YahZarah, Chandlar, Blue Six, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Van Hunt, Wayna, Will Downing, Yolanda Johnson, Trina Broussard,
Deirdre Gaddis, Don-E, Donnie, Elisabeth Withers, Emily King, Esperanza Spalding, Swing Out Sister,
Eric Benét, Geno Young, Giovanca, Gordon Chambers, Governor, The Green Tea, Jiva, Gretchen Parlato, Heston, Hiatus Kaiyote,
Hil St. Soul, Jazzyfatnastees, Jesse Johnson, Prince, Julie Dexter, Joss Stone,
Joy Denalane, Kendra Ross, Kindred The Family Soul, Ladybug Mecca, Lalah Hathaway, Laura Izibor, Laurneá, Lauryn Hill,
Leela James, LeNora Jaye, Les Nubians, THEESatisfaction, Tiombe Lockhart, Tawana Lael, Terri Lyne Carrington, Reel People,
Stacy Epps, Slakah The Beatchild, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Seek, Rotary Connection, Rogiérs, Robert Gee, Rhonda Thomas, Rhonda Smith, Remy Shand, Reggie B, The Rebirth, Raul Midón, Rachelle Ferrell,
PJ Morton, NYR, Noel Gourdin, Nneka, N'dambi, Nikka Costa, Muhsinah, Monica Blaire, Monet, Mint Condition, Maya Azucena, Mycah Chevalier,
Mavis "Swan" Poole, Martin Luther, Lynne Fiddmont, Lucy Pearl, Lorenzo Owens, Mamas Gun, Lizz Wright, Liv Warfield, Lizz Fields, Lina, Leon Ware, Dwele, Corneille, Lisa Taylor, Charles Bradley, Bluey, Ayo, DivaGeek, Kendra, Timotha Lanae, Shamika Phoenix, Dionne, Soulpersona, Kaleem Taylor, Bosra Sham, Rachel Walker, N'dea Davenport, D'Influence, Ms. Irene Renee, Melanie Durrant, Jazzhole, John Stoddart, Mo'j, E. Bland, Elaine Stepter, Carmen Lundy, Dionne Farris, Lisa Shaw, Shae Fiol,
Snarky Puppy, Antoine Dunn, Anthony Hamilton, Anthony David, Amy Winehouse, Chris Rob, Marques Toliver, Sade, Soulstice, Sunshine Anderson, Jaguar Wright, L'Renee, Lianne La Havas, Sy Smith AND A WHOLE LOTS MORE....
"THE DEFINITION OF NEO-SOUL"
Neo-Soul is a timeless musical genre that fuses real instrumental, Jazz, contemporary R&B and 1970s-style soul,funk,and rock with some elements of hip-hop. As it's name (new soul) implies, Neo-Soul music is essentially modern-day soul music, with contemporary attitudes and sensibilities. It differs from contemporary R&B in that it's organic and obviously more soulful,and it also tends to have deeper messages and meanings than R&B.
Pangpond P'Srrt
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
Master told me one day
I'd find peace in every way
But in search for the clue
Wrong things, I was bound to do
Keep my head to the sky
For the cloud to tell me why
As I grew, oh, in strength
Master kept me as I repent
And He said
?Keep your head to the sky?
He said
?Keep your head to the sky?
He gave me the will to be free
Purpose to live His reality
And I found myself never alone
Changes came to make me strong
He said "Maysa, be all you can
'Cause you need faith in your life to understand"
So we're saying for you to hear
Keep your head and face that what's fear
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
And the clouds will tell you why
The clouds will tell you why
I said, keep your head to the sky
And the clouds will tell you why every time
Told you why now
Keep your head to the sky
And the clouds will tell you why
The clouds will tell you why
I said, keep your head to the sky
And the clouds will tell you why every time
You're free and beautiful to me
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
Keep your head to the sky
Father, please bless me today
And expand my territory
With Your hand to guide me
Keep me from evil
And causing anyone any pain, amen
Marty Emmons
I applaud Maysa's choice of music to sing. She has the talent to sing 'Keep your head to the sky'!
Kenneth Barlow
There is no comparison. Maysa has her own style. She is a pioneer in the music business. My favorite female singer
jaybrank
I love Maysa. Her voice is an absolute treasure.
ettadove
And I as well have loved Maysa's voice since I first was introduced to her back when she sang 'Sexy 'with Incognito
jackie jackson
I listen to her often...her beautiful voice calms my soul.
Lamonte White
Love her voice i just seen her at the Hamptons jazzfest GREAT VOICE
Sipho Ntsanwisi
God bless you Maysa , you truly have a gift my Sista and I hope you keep making beautiful melodies such as this!!!
TheMusicalEmpress
Maysa is one of the GREATEST interpreters of song-ever! #justlikebutta
Blake Elliott Williams
Love Her!!! Loved that part from 2:18 - 2:45. Just saw her last night in concert in Durham, NC and she was AMAZING!!!!!!
Lady V Ann
Masterpiece of a Masterpiece ! SANG MAYSA ♥♬⚘