Famous Brazilian Composers

João Gilberto was a Brazilian guitarist, singer, and composer known as the "father of bossa nova." He was a pioneer of the genre in the late 1950s, gaining international recognition for his contributions to music. His album "Getz/Gilberto" made history by winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1965. Throughout his career, he continued to receive accolades, including a Grammy win for Best World Music Album in 2001. João Gilberto's legacy in music remains influential and celebrated worldwide.

Caetano Veloso is a prominent Brazilian composer, singer, guitarist, writer, and political activist. He gained recognition as a key figure in the Tropicália movement during the 1960s. Despite facing persecution from the Brazilian military dictatorship, Veloso remained a significant creative force in music. He has won numerous prestigious awards, including nine Latin Grammy Awards and two Grammy Awards. Veloso's music and activism have had a lasting impact, leading to his recognition as the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year in 2012.

Heitor Villa-Lobos was a Brazilian composer, conductor, cellist, and classical guitarist who is considered the most significant creative figure in 20th-century Brazilian art music. He is renowned as the best-known South American composer of all time, with a prolific output of over 2,000 works across various genres. Villa-Lobos's compositions were influenced by Brazilian folk music and European classical traditions, evident in pieces like his Bachianas Brasileiras and Chôros. He made notable contributions to the classical guitar repertoire with works dedicated to renowned musicians like Andrés Segovia.

Eumir Deodato de Almeida is a highly acclaimed Brazilian pianist, composer, arranger, and record producer known for his versatile work across various music genres. He has arranged and produced over 500 records for artists like Frank Sinatra, Roberta Flack, Björk, and Christophe. Deodato's productions include hits for Kool & the Gang such as "Celebration," "Ladies' Night," and "Too Hot." His achievements include three Grammy Award nominations and a win for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1974 for "Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001)."

Milton Nascimento, also known as Bituca, is a renowned Brazilian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He has achieved international acclaim, winning five Grammy Awards, including Best World Music Album for his influential work "Nascimento" in 1998. With a career spanning decades, Nascimento has been celebrated for his unique musical style that blends traditional Brazilian sounds with innovative arrangements. His contributions to the music industry have solidified his status as a highly respected artist and cultural icon.

Vinícius de Moraes was a prominent Brazilian figure known for his diverse talents in poetry, music, and diplomacy. As a poet, lyricist, essayist, musician, singer, and playwright, he collaborated with renowned artists such as Antônio Carlos Jobim, contributing significantly to the bossa nova music movement. Moraes recorded multiple albums and established himself as a successful Brazilian career diplomat. His work and partnerships in the arts world were instrumental in shaping Brazilian culture and garnering international recognition.

Jorge Ben Jor, also known as Jorge Ben, is a Brazilian popular musician renowned for his innovative approach to samba music. His career spans several decades, during which he explored a diverse range of music genres including soul, funk, rock, and bossa nova. Ben's influential work has produced hits such as "Chove Chuva", "Mas, que Nada!", and "Balança Pema". He played a significant role in key Brazilian music movements like bossa nova, Jovem Guarda, and Tropicália, earning him the title "the father of samba rock".

Tim Maia was a Brazilian musician, songwriter, and businessman known for his unique musical style that encompassed a wide range of genres such as soul, funk, disco, jazz, rock and roll, and more. He introduced soul music to Brazil and was a pioneer in sambalanço, blending samba, soul, funk, and rock and roll. Maia recorded numerous albums, toured extensively, and left a lasting impact on Brazilian music. Even after his passing, his work remains popular, and a musical retrospective of his career, Vale Tudo, continues to be celebrated.

Cazuza was a prominent Brazilian singer and songwriter known for his contributions to the rock music scene. He gained recognition both as the lead vocalist of Barão Vermelho and as a solo artist. Throughout his 9-year career, Cazuza achieved significant success, selling over 5 million albums and producing numerous chart-topping singles. Alongside other renowned artists like Raul Seixas and Renato Russo, he is considered a key figure in Brazilian rock music, leaving a lasting impact on the industry through his music and performances.

Rita Lee Jones was a Brazilian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, presenter, actress, writer, and activist. Known as the "Queen of Brazilian Rock," she achieved immense success in the music industry, selling over 55 million records. Rita's career spanned various genres, from rock to pop, bossa nova, and electronic music. She was a pivotal figure in the Brazilian music scene, influencing the use of electric guitars and participating in significant musical revolutions. Rita collaborated with renowned artists and released influential albums, cementing her legacy as a pioneering musician.

Antônio Carlos Jobim was a Brazilian composer, pianist, guitarist, arranger, and singer who played a pivotal role in the development of bossa nova music. He is widely recognized as the "father of bossa nova" for merging Samba with Cool jazz in the 1960s, resulting in worldwide success. Jobim's compositions, including the iconic "Garota de Ipanema," have been performed internationally and are considered jazz and pop standards. His collaborations, such as the Grammy-winning album Getz/Gilberto and the acclaimed project with Frank Sinatra, further solidified his legacy in the music industry.

Heitor Pereira, also known as Heitor TP, is a versatile Brazilian composer, songwriter, musician, arranger, and record producer. He has collaborated with renowned artists such as Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Jack Johnson, and has worked with directors on various film soundtracks. Notable for his work on the Despicable Me franchise, Pereira has also contributed to successful movies like Gladiator, Mission: Impossible 2, and Madagascar. His achievements include a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement and his solo album released in the UK showcases his talent and versatility.

Baden Powell was a renowned Brazilian guitarist who skillfully combined classical techniques with popular harmony and swing. He was versatile, performing in various styles such as bossa nova, samba, Brazilian jazz, Latin jazz, and MPB throughout his prolific career. Powell composed numerous guitar pieces that have since become standards in the genre. His collaboration with Vinicius de Moraes on the watershed album "Os Afro-sambas" in 1966 further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Brazilian guitar players of all time.

Luiz Bonfá was a prominent Brazilian guitarist and composer renowned for his contributions to the world of music. He gained widespread recognition for his iconic compositions featured in the celebrated film Black Orpheus. Bonfá's distinctive style and innovative approach to music captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a highly respected figure in the industry. Throughout his career, he demonstrated exceptional talent and creativity, leaving a lasting impact on the music scene with his unique compositions and unparalleled artistry.

Amon Tobin is a Brazilian electronic musician, composer, and producer known for his innovative sound design and music production techniques. He has released eight studio albums under the Ninja Tune record label and two albums under the alias Two Fingers with collaborator Doubleclick. Tobin's music has been featured in major motion pictures, independent films, and video games, showcasing his diverse range and ability to create immersive soundscapes. His work has earned critical acclaim and cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the electronic music scene.

Eliane Elias is a highly acclaimed Brazilian jazz pianist, singer, composer, and arranger known for her exceptional talent and contributions to the jazz music scene. With a career spanning several decades, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the industry, captivating audiences worldwide with her distinctive style and virtuosity. Elias has released numerous albums, received critical acclaim for her musical prowess, and collaborated with renowned artists, solidifying her reputation as a leading force in the realm of jazz music.

Carlos Cachaça, also known as Carlos Moreira de Castro, was a Brazilian composer and one of the founders of GRES Estação Primeira de Mangueira. He was a prolific composer, having created over 500 compositions during his career. Carlos Cachaça was particularly known for his collaboration with Cartola, another prominent figure in the samba and Mangueira scenes. Together, they created timeless samba classics that have left a lasting impact on Brazilian music and culture.

Chico Buarque is a prominent Brazilian singer-songwriter, guitarist, composer, playwright, writer, and poet known for his socially conscious music reflecting on Brazil's issues. He began his career in the 1960s, facing censorship and threats from the military dictatorship. Despite challenges, he continued to produce music, write plays, and publish novels. Buarque's work has made a significant impact, earning him accolades like the prestigious Camões Prize for literature in the Portuguese language.

Deborah Salvatrice Blando is an Italian-Brazilian singer, songwriter, and producer known for selling over 6 million records worldwide. She is recognized as one of the most successful Brazilian pop music artists, earning the title of "Queen of the soundtracks" for her numerous contributions to Globo soap operas. Blando's versatility shines through her ability to sing in Portuguese, English, and Italian. She gained international acclaim in 1992 with the hit "Innocence" and continued to produce successful records in Brazil and Portugal. Collaborating with renowned songwriters and producers like David Foster and Patrick Leonard has further solidified her position in the music industry.

Supla is a Brazilian musician who has made significant contributions to the music industry. He is known for his versatility in various music genres such as rock, punk, and pop. Supla has released several albums and singles throughout his career, showcasing his talent as a singer, songwriter, and performer. He has also been involved in various musical projects and collaborations, both in Brazil and internationally. Supla's unique style and energetic stage presence have earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim in the music industry.

Laurindo Almeida was a versatile Brazilian guitarist and composer known for his contributions to classical, jazz, and Latin music. He played a key role in the development of bossa nova, a genre that gained international acclaim. Almeida made history by becoming the first guitarist to win Grammy Awards in both classical and jazz categories, highlighting his exceptional talent and range. Throughout his career spanning over five decades, he amassed an impressive discography of more than a hundred recordings, solidifying his legacy as a prolific and influential musician.

Aldir Blanc Mendes was a prolific Brazilian author and lyricist known for his insightful crônicas and impactful songwriting collaborations. He excelled in co-composing numerous songs with renowned artists such as João Bosco, Guinga, and other talented musicians. Blanc's work was characterized by its poetic lyricism and social commentary, reflecting his deep understanding of Brazilian culture and society. Through his contributions to music and literature, he left a lasting legacy as a revered figure in the Brazilian artistic community, inspiring generations with his creativity and insight.

Braguinha, also known as João de Barro, was a Brazilian songwriter and occasional singer known for his Carnaval marchinhas. He gained fame for his light-hearted and rhythmic songs that have become staples of Brazilian popular music, often sung during Carnaval celebrations. Braguinha collaborated with renowned musicians such as Pixinguinha and Noel Rosa, producing hits like "Carinhoso" and "Pastorinhas". His work left a lasting impact on Brazil's musical history, with his compositions continuing to be cherished and celebrated by audiences worldwide.

Dominguinhos was a prominent Brazilian composer, accordionist, and singer known for his unique style of Brazilian Popular Music influenced by the music of Luiz Gonzaga and the Sertão region. He collaborated with renowned musicians such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Maria Bethânia. His hits were recorded by various artists, and he received accolades including a Latin Grammy for his album "Chegando de mansinho." Dominguinhos also composed soundtracks for films and documentaries, further solidifying his legacy in Brazilian music.

Ciro Pessoa Mendes Corrêa, also known as Tenzin Chöpel, was a versatile Brazilian artist known for his roles as a singer-songwriter, lyricist, guitarist, screenwriter, journalist, and poet. He rose to fame as a founding member of the influential rock band Titãs and later contributed to the pioneering post-punk/gothic rock band Cabine C. Throughout the early to mid-1990s, he ventured into various short-lived projects before embarking on a successful solo career in 2003. His musical legacy continues to inspire fans and fellow artists alike.

Moacir Santos was a highly respected Brazilian composer, multi-instrumentalist, and music educator. Throughout his career, he mentored influential musicians such as Baden Powell, Bola Sete, and Wilson das Neves. Santos collaborated with prominent artists like Nara Leão, Roberto Menescal, Sérgio Mendes, and Lynda Laurence, earning praise from musicians in Brazil and the United States. Despite not achieving widespread recognition during his lifetime, his compositions have been celebrated posthumously through albums released by artists like Mark Levine, Anat Cohen, and Muiza Adnet.

Luiz Gonzaga do Nascimento was a Brazilian singer, songwriter, musician, and poet who became one of the most influential figures in Brazilian popular music during the twentieth century. He is credited with introducing Northeastern musical genres to a wider audience across Brazil and popularizing the musical genre baião. Luiz Gonzaga received the prestigious Shell prize for Brazilian Popular Music in 1984, a recognition shared by only a few other esteemed artists. His impact on Brazilian culture was significant, earning him a reputation as a revolutionary in the music industry.