Introduction
Romica Puceanu (Romani: Romika Puchanu; 1926–1996) was a Romanian Gypsy singer and interpreter of urban lăutărească music from Romania.
Early life
Puceneau started to sing professionally when she was 14, with the "Brothers Gore taraf", one of the most famous tarafuri of the time.
Career
She was highly appreciated for her unique voice and for the sensibility of her singing, being compared to Billie Holiday and Cesária Évora.
Personal life
Despite her professional success, she had an unhappy love life which led to some drinking problems, and also affected her voice in the later part of her life.
She was married to the accordionist Bebe Şerban (also known as "Bebe de la Petrichioaia" - "Bebe from Petrichioaia"). Cornelia Teişanu, her niece, is also a singer.
Death
Romica Puceanu died as a result of a car accident in 1996.