Portuguese vocalist Dona Rosa is among fado's most notable characters, set apart as much for her powerful artistry as her incredible story. Born in 1957, Rosa spent her early life in grinding poverty. Rendered blind by a serious case of meningitis at the age of four, her prospects were slim. Her family, whose main income was begging, was able to provide her with some education, offering literacy in both written word and the folk music of Portugal. When she came of age, Rosa traveled to Lisbon, where she earned her way begging and hustling in the streets among the city's blind ...