Passos began playing piano at age thirteen, but after listening to Dorival Caymmi and João Gilberto she abandoned the instrument to become a singer.

In the late 1960s, she began appearing on television and at music festivals.

In 1972 she submitted the song "Mutilados" under a pseudonym to the Globo Network's Festival Universitario and won first prize.

[1] She recorded her debut album in 1978, working with poet Fernando de Oliveira.

[1] In 2004, Amorosa was re-released, and attracted notice in the United States, reaching No.