Amália Rodrigues (23 July 1920 – 6 October 1999) was a Portuguese fadista (fado singer) and actress. Known as the 'Rainha do Fado' ("Queen of Fado"), Rodrigues was instrumental in popularizing fado worldwide and traveled internationally throughout her career. She became one of the most important figures during the genre's revival in the twentieth century and was a leading female fadista during her 50-year recording and stage career. Rodrigues remains an inspiration to other fado and popular music artists such as Madredeus, Dulce Pontes, and Mariza. As of 1999, she has sold over 30 million records worldwide. Amália remains the best-selling Portuguese artist of all time.