Biography

Known for her astonishing 4 1/2 octave vocal range, Yma Sumac (AKA Ima or Imma Sumack) was born in Ichocán, Peru, a town high in the Andes. From an early age she performed in radio and movies and made recordings throughout South America. She came to the United States in the 1940s and performed with a small group of musicians and dancers. When she signed with Capitol Records in 1950 her stage name's spelling was changed to the more exotic "Yma Sumac." An urban legend that she was really "Amy Camus," a nice Jewish girl from Brooklyn, originated in 1951 with a joke among musicians repeated in one of Walter Winchell's gossip columns. She acted in several films and stage shows, and continued to perform into the 1990s. She died in Los Angeles after the re-release of her recordings turned her into a cult icon.
- IMDb mini biography by: Scott Marshall <ScottMarshall@aol.com>

Her album "Voice of the Xtabay" launched a period of fame that included performances at the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall.

She claimed to be a descendant of the Incan emperors, since her mother's maiden name, Atahualpa, was the same as the last Incan ruler. Sumac wore colorful robes with gold and silver to convey the image of a princess.

She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6445 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.

Living in Beverly Hills, concert tours, and recording a new album.

Her classic recording of "Malambo No. 1" opens the 2009 AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute to Michael Douglas.