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Politics & Government

Brazilian Bombshell Delivers the Mail in Downtown Royal Oak

In honor of Latin Music Legends commemorative stamps and Arts, Beats & Eats, "Carmen Miranda" joined letter carriers in downtown Royal Oak.

The U.S. Postal Service continued their official launch of Latin Music Legends commemorative stamps in downtown Royal Oak on Thursday with a special visit from "Carmen Miranda." Berkley letter carrier Karen Voss danced through the streets dressed as the Brazilian bombshell, complete with a bright yellow banana atop her hat.

On Saturday, the U.S. Postal Service will highlight their Latin music commemorative stamps with a special ceremony on the Arts, Beats & Eats main stage at 10:45 a.m. immediately preceding the Zumba world record attempt. The main stage is located off of S. Center Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets.

The Latin Music Legends stamps feature images of Carmen Miranda, Selena, Carlos Gardel, Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, five legendary entertainers representing samba, Tejano, tango, Latin jazz and salsa.  

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Carmen Miranda, (1909-1955) was born in Portugal but raised in Brazil. Miranda appeared in 14 musicals and recorded more than 300 songs. Her untimely death at age 46 came the day after suffering from a heart attack on live television during a dance routine on the Jimmy Durante Show.

Selena (1971-1995) was what most people remember her as, although her full name was Selena Quintanilla-Perez.  Her techno/hip-hop beats and disco-influenced dance won her a Grammy before her death at age 24. Selena's music is still an important part of Latino cultures.

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Carlos Gardel (1890-1935) was one of the most celebrated Tango artists of all time.  Gardel helped popularize the tango in the U.S. and many other countries. 

Tito Puente (1923-2000) performed for more than 60 years and is credited with bringing Caribbean and Afro-Cuban sounds to mainstream audiences.

Celia Cruz (19525-2003) was known as the "Queen of Salsa."  Cruz performed for more than 50 years and recorded more than 50 albums, endearing her to fans from all nationalities and many generations.

Artist Rafael Lopez painted semi-realistic portraits of each musical artist designed to evoke their personality, vitality and even their sound. Each musician is depicted in mid-performance.

Beginning at , dressed as Carmen Miranda, Voss danced down Washington Street in downtown Royal Oak as she helped mail carriers deliver mail, inviting everyone to join in the fun.  Postal customers also had the opportunity to have their pictures taken with Carmen in the lobby of the post office as part of the festivities. 

Postmaster Jeff Helmuth, who is also a Royal Oak resident, says it is an honor for the postal service to participate with Arts, Beats & Eats in this way.  "Arts, Beats & Eats is one of the largest food and music festivals in the country," he said.

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