This CD is arguably the very best from this soulful, expressive Brazilian singer.  It includes two duets, one with Gal Costa and one with Alcione.  Both are dynamite.  Turn up the sound.

Maria B. is the only diva on this list with two albums.  But these albums are a perfect complement to one another and together they give a full sense of the depth and beauty of her amazing voice. 
 
 

Mina gave voice to the 60's generation in Europe and particularly to young European women.  People talk about her with the same nostalgic reverence I associate with Bob Dylan in the US.   She also happens to have a powerful, multi-faceted, beautiful voice that will variously soothe and move you.  The Box Set of 5 CDs contains most of her best songs and is a great deal.  A more modest introduction would be "La Banda"

Mercedes Sosa has been referred to as the voice of a continent.  She was unflinching in her active opposition to the Argentine Junta and her voice has become a symbol of the struggle against oppression in Latin America.  But she balances her haunting pleas for freedom, justice and liberation with love songs of great lyrical beauty.
 

This is my favorite of all the wonderful Bahian pop treasures.  Gal's voice gives real meaning to the phrase "clear as a bell" and the final song, Meu Nome e Gal will blow you away.  This selection was not currently available at the time my list was drawn.  Fine alternatives would be Gal Canta Caymmi  and Meu Nome e Gal

 For those who think of Tango as a dance, let Susana Rinaldi open your heart and  soul to the incredible passion of Tango sung as only she can do it.  By the way that's a bandoneon not an accordian you hear in the background (buttons instead of keys).  It's the instrument of Tango.

The Fado is the national song of Portugal and Amalia Rodrigues its most passionate singer.  She forms an important part of the political and musical history of her country and her searing, complex voice is an emotional experience not to be missed.

Maria Creuza -  Melhor de Maria Creuza

Maria Creuza has a smooth, sophisticated sound that always makes me want to reach for a glass of scotch and a cigarette (even though I haven't smoked for 20 years).  She'll transport you to a hot, tropical Brazilian night and you won't want to come back.  My favorite album "Com Acucar e com Afeto" isn't easily available in the US, so try the above recommendation.

This is the toughest of them all to find the right words for.  There's not a superlative in any of the previous blurbs that hasn't been applied to Edith Piaf.  And yet you lay back, put on that voice, and it is so intimate.  She speaks from the heart and to the heart.  This CD is filled with many of her greatest songs; it will not disappoint!
 

 The title says it all.  And who could compile a list of Latin Divas without including the greatest Diva of them all.  The two record set shows off some of her immense talent.  Play it loud when you've got the time to really concentrate.  This is not background music.