Elza Soares (born June 23, 1937) is a Brazilian samba singer. Born and raised in a favela in Rio de Janeiro, Soares took part in a singing contest presented by the renowned Brazilian musician Ary Barroso, and received the highest marks. She was one of the first artists to incorporate jazz vocal styles into samba music, and has toured internationally, her outgoing and over-the-top style fascinating audiences in Brazil and abroad.