Here for the first time is the life and career of the woman who more than lived up to her moniker--The Brazilian Bombshell. The adored "Ambassadress of Samba to the United States and the world", her daring style would influence a generation of North and South American women and is alive and well today in the styles of Liza Minelli, Bette Midler, Cher, Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. Photos.