Elena Sărăroiu, known professionally as Ileana Sărăroiu, was born on September 25, 1936, in Dâmbovița County, Romania. She was a traditional music singer whose career began with her distinctive voice and emotive performances of Romanian folk songs. After graduating from the Popular Art School, Sărăroiu worked at the Ion Vasilescu Theater and sang at the Minerva Hotel in Craiova. Sărăroiu's breakthrough came through her early singles such as "Aseară Și-alaltăseară" (1968) and "Cine-a Pus Cîrciuma-n Drum" (1976). She also released albums like Ileana Sărăroiu (1974) and Zori De Ziuă Se Revarsă (1977). She died from a brain aneurysm while singing at a wedding reception in May 1979.
