Brazil is a country with a rich and diverse musical heritage, producing some of the most influential and celebrated musicians in the world. From the soothing rhythms of bossa nova to the vibrant beats of samba, Brazilian music has captivated audiences both at home and internationally.
The country’s artists have not only shaped the sound of their own genres but have also left a lasting impact on global music culture.
This article explores the lives and careers of some of the most famous Brazilian musicians, highlighting their contributions to the world of music and the enduring legacy they have created.
21 Greatest Famous Brazilian Musicians That Changed South American Music
Contents
- 1 21 Greatest Famous Brazilian Musicians That Changed South American Music
- 2 #1 Antonio Carlos Jobim
- 3 #2 João Gilberto
- 4 #3 Caetano Veloso
- 5 #4 Gilberto Gil
- 6 #5 Chico Buarque
- 7 #6 Elis Regina
- 8 #7 Gal Costa
- 9 #8 Milton Nascimento
- 10 #9 Jorge Ben Jor
- 11 #10 Djavan
- 12 #11 Marisa Monte
- 13 #12 Gilberto Freyre
- 14 #13 Heitor Villa-Lobos
- 15 #14 Astrud Gilberto
- 16 #15 Seu Jorge
- 17 #16 Tim Maia
- 18 #17 Zeca Pagodinho
- 19 #18 Lulu Santos
- 20 #19 Legião Urbana
- 21 #20 Maria Bethânia
- 22 #21 Ivete Sangalo
- 23 Frequently Asked Questions
This list includes a variety of artists who have made significant contributions to Brazilian music across different genres and periods.
Here’s a list of 21 famous Brazilian musicians, spanning various genres and eras:
#1 Antonio Carlos Jobim
Antonio Carlos Jobim, often simply known as Tom Jobim, is one of the most influential composers and musicians in Brazilian music history. He is widely recognized as one of the key creators of bossa nova, a genre that blends samba with jazz influences. Jobim’s compositions, characterized by their sophisticated harmonies and melodic beauty, have become standards in both Brazilian music and the global jazz repertoire. His song “The Girl from Ipanema,” co-written with Vinicius de Moraes, became an international hit and is one of the most recorded songs in history.
Jobim’s impact extends beyond bossa nova; his work has been instrumental in bringing Brazilian music to an international audience. He collaborated with numerous artists, including João Gilberto, Frank Sinatra, and Stan Getz, further solidifying his legacy as a musical pioneer. Jobim’s influence on music, both in Brazil and globally, is immeasurable, making him a true giant in the world of music.
#2 João Gilberto
João Gilberto is often referred to as the “Father of Bossa Nova,” a genre he helped create and popularize in the late 1950s and early 1960s. His unique guitar playing style, which involved intricate, syncopated rhythms, and his soft, intimate vocal delivery became the defining characteristics of bossa nova. Gilberto’s 1958 recording of “Chega de Saudade,” composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, is widely considered the first bossa nova song and marked the beginning of a musical revolution in Brazil.
Throughout his career, Gilberto maintained a minimalist approach to music, focusing on subtle nuances and emotional depth. His collaborations with artists like Stan Getz, particularly on the album Getz/Gilberto, brought bossa nova to a global audience and earned him widespread acclaim. João Gilberto’s contributions to Brazilian music have made him a cultural icon and a pivotal figure in the history of modern music.
#3 Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso is one of Brazil’s most important and innovative musicians, known for his role in the Tropicália movement of the late 1960s. Alongside fellow musicians like Gilberto Gil, Veloso blended traditional Brazilian music with contemporary rock, pop, and avant-garde influences, challenging the political and cultural norms of the time. His early albums, including Caetano Veloso and Tropicália: ou Panis et Circensis, became landmarks in Brazilian music, laying the groundwork for a new era of artistic expression.
Veloso’s career has been marked by his lyrical sophistication and his ability to continually reinvent himself musically. He has explored a wide range of genres, from samba and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) to rock and electronica, all while maintaining a distinct Brazilian identity. Veloso’s influence on Brazilian culture and his status as an international artist have solidified his reputation as one of the most significant figures in global music.
#4 Gilberto Gil
Gilberto Gil is a legendary Brazilian singer, songwriter, and political activist who played a central role in the Tropicália movement alongside Caetano Veloso. Gil’s music is characterized by its rich blend of Brazilian rhythms, rock, reggae, and African influences, reflecting his deep cultural and musical curiosity. His early work, particularly his albums Gilberto Gil and Expresso 2222, are considered masterpieces of Brazilian music, combining poetic lyrics with innovative musical arrangements.
In addition to his musical achievements, Gil has been a prominent cultural figure in Brazil, serving as the country’s Minister of Culture from 2003 to 2008. His influence extends beyond music, as he has been an advocate for social justice, environmental causes, and the preservation of Brazil’s cultural heritage. Gilberto Gil’s contributions to music and his broader impact on society have made him an iconic figure both in Brazil and around the world.
#5 Chico Buarque
Chico Buarque is a renowned Brazilian singer, songwriter, playwright, and novelist, celebrated for his lyrical depth and his ability to blend social commentary with beautiful music. Emerging in the 1960s, Buarque quickly became one of Brazil’s most beloved and respected artists, known for his poignant songs that often addressed political and social issues during the military dictatorship. His work, including songs like “A Banda” and “Construção,” is marked by its poetic brilliance and intricate wordplay, making him a key figure in MPB (Música Popular Brasileira).
Buarque’s influence extends beyond music; he is also an accomplished writer and has published several novels and plays that have been critically acclaimed. His dedication to using his art as a means of social critique has made him a symbol of resistance and intellectualism in Brazilian culture. Chico Buarque’s legacy as a musician and cultural figure is profound, and his work continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists.
#6 Elis Regina
Elis Regina is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in Brazilian music history, known for her powerful voice, emotional intensity, and impeccable phrasing. She rose to prominence in the 1960s with her interpretations of bossa nova, MPB, and samba, becoming a leading figure in the Brazilian music scene. Regina’s performances were characterized by their dramatic expression and technical precision, earning her the nickname “Pimentinha” (Little Pepper) for her fiery personality on stage.
Throughout her career, Elis Regina collaborated with some of Brazil’s most prominent composers, including Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gilberto Gil, and Milton Nascimento, contributing to many of the era’s most iconic recordings. Her albums, such as Elis & Tom and Vento de Maio, are considered classics of Brazilian music. Regina’s untimely death in 1982 at the age of 36 shocked the nation, but her influence on Brazilian music remains immense, and she continues to be celebrated as one of the country’s most talented and beloved artists.
#7 Gal Costa
Gal Costa is one of Brazil’s most iconic singers, known for her powerful voice and her role in the Tropicália movement of the late 1960s. Born in Salvador, Bahia, Costa quickly rose to prominence with her eclectic style that blends traditional Brazilian music with rock, pop, and psychedelia. Her debut album Domingo, recorded with Caetano Veloso, marked the beginning of a long and influential career. Costa’s 1969 self-titled album, often referred to as Gal Costa, is considered a landmark in Brazilian music, showcasing her ability to seamlessly merge different musical genres.
Over the decades, Costa has continued to reinvent herself, experimenting with various musical styles while maintaining her distinct voice and artistic integrity. She has collaborated with numerous Brazilian legends, including Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, and Maria Bethânia, and her work has influenced generations of musicians. Gal Costa’s contributions to Brazilian music have made her a revered figure, known for her fearless approach to artistry and her lasting impact on MPB (Música Popular Brasileira).
#8 Milton Nascimento
Milton Nascimento is a celebrated Brazilian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music has left a profound impact on MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) and beyond. Born in Minas Gerais, Nascimento’s career took off in the late 1960s with the release of his album Travessia, which featured the hit title track. His music is characterized by its rich harmonies, emotional depth, and fusion of Brazilian folk traditions with jazz, rock, and classical influences. Nascimento’s voice, known for its ethereal and emotive quality, has been one of the most distinctive and cherished in Brazilian music.
Nascimento’s collaborations with artists like Lô Borges, Chico Buarque, and Wayne Shorter have resulted in some of the most celebrated works in Brazilian music, including the critically acclaimed album Clube da Esquina. Throughout his career, Nascimento has been a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights, themes that frequently appear in his music. His artistic achievements and commitment to cultural and social issues have made Milton Nascimento a beloved and influential figure both in Brazil and internationally.
#9 Jorge Ben Jor
Jorge Ben Jor, born Jorge Duílio Lima Meneses, is a legendary Brazilian singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his innovative fusion of samba, funk, rock, and bossa nova. He emerged in the 1960s with his unique style that brought a fresh and modern sound to Brazilian music. His 1963 debut album Samba Esquema Novo introduced hits like “Mas, Que Nada!” which became an international success and has been covered by numerous artists, including Sergio Mendes. Ben Jor’s music is characterized by its infectious rhythms, playful lyrics, and fusion of Afro-Brazilian musical traditions with contemporary influences.
Throughout his career, Ben Jor has continued to innovate, with albums like África Brasil and A Tábua de Esmeralda becoming landmarks in Brazilian music. His work has been influential not only in Brazil but also in the global music scene, with artists across genres drawing inspiration from his sound. Jorge Ben Jor’s ability to blend genres and his contributions to the evolution of Brazilian music have made him one of the country’s most beloved and enduring artists.
#10 Djavan
Djavan is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose music blends Brazilian rhythms with jazz, pop, and soul influences. Born in Maceió, Alagoas, Djavan moved to Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, where he began his career as a songwriter for other artists before gaining recognition as a performer. His 1976 debut album A Voz, o Violão, a Música de Djavan featured the hit song “Flor de Lis,” which established him as a rising star in MPB (Música Popular Brasileira). Djavan’s music is known for its sophisticated melodies, complex harmonies, and poetic lyrics, often exploring themes of love, nature, and Brazilian identity.
Over the years, Djavan has released numerous successful albums, including Luz, Alumbramento, and Lilás, and has collaborated with international artists such as Stevie Wonder and Al Jarreau. His ability to seamlessly blend Brazilian and international influences has earned him a global following. Djavan’s contributions to music, both in Brazil and beyond, have made him one of the most respected and influential Brazilian musicians of his generation.
#11 Marisa Monte
Marisa Monte is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and producer known for her versatile voice and eclectic musical style, which spans pop, MPB, samba, and rock. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Monte began her career in the late 1980s and quickly gained acclaim for her debut album MM, which featured a mix of Brazilian classics and contemporary songs. Her follow-up albums, Mais and Verde, Anil, Amarelo, Cor de Rosa e Carvão, solidified her position as one of Brazil’s most important artists, showcasing her ability to blend traditional Brazilian music with modern pop and rock influences.
Monte has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Carlinhos Brown and Arnaldo Antunes, with whom she formed the supergroup Tribalistas. The group’s self-titled album became a massive success, both in Brazil and internationally. Monte’s innovative approach to music, along with her rich, expressive voice, has made her a beloved figure in Brazilian music, known for her ability to transcend genres and reach audiences around the world.
#12 Gilberto Freyre
Gilberto Freyre was primarily known as a sociologist, anthropologist, and historian, rather than a musician. However, his influence on Brazilian culture, including music, is profound. Freyre’s seminal work Casa-Grande & Senzala (The Masters and the Slaves) analyzed the complex social and racial dynamics of Brazilian society and emphasized the significant contributions of African and Indigenous cultures to Brazil’s national identity. While not a musician himself, Freyre’s ideas deeply influenced Brazilian artists and musicians, particularly those involved in the MPB and Tropicália movements, who sought to explore and celebrate Brazil’s diverse cultural heritage.
Freyre’s emphasis on the blending of cultures helped shape the way Brazilian musicians approached their art, leading to a greater appreciation of Afro-Brazilian rhythms and indigenous influences in popular music. His work remains a touchstone for understanding the cultural and social context of Brazilian music, making him a key intellectual figure whose legacy continues to resonate in Brazilian culture.
#13 Heitor Villa-Lobos
Heitor Villa-Lobos is one of Brazil’s most celebrated classical composers, known for his ability to blend Brazilian folk music with European classical traditions. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1887, Villa-Lobos began his musical career as a self-taught musician, deeply influenced by the rich musical traditions of Brazil. His compositions often incorporate elements of Brazilian folk and popular music, such as samba, choro, and indigenous melodies, into classical forms like symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. Villa-Lobos’s most famous works include the Bachianas Brasileiras series, which pays homage to Johann Sebastian Bach while incorporating Brazilian musical idioms.
Villa-Lobos was a key figure in the development of a uniquely Brazilian classical music identity, and his influence extends far beyond his homeland. His work has been performed by orchestras and musicians around the world, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important composers of the 20th century. Villa-Lobos’s legacy as a pioneer of Brazilian classical music continues to inspire generations of musicians and composers.
#14 Astrud Gilberto
Astrud Gilberto is a Brazilian singer best known for her work on the iconic bossa nova track “The Girl from Ipanema.” Born in Bahia, Brazil, and later moving to the United States, Gilberto became an international sensation in the 1960s after recording the English-language version of “The Girl from Ipanema” with João Gilberto and Stan Getz. Her soft, understated vocals on the track became the defining sound of bossa nova for many listeners worldwide, and the song remains one of the most recognizable Brazilian tunes ever recorded.
Astrud Gilberto’s success continued with a series of albums that blended bossa nova with jazz and pop, further establishing her as a leading figure in the genre. Though her career was relatively brief compared to some of her contemporaries, her impact on Brazilian music and her role in popularizing bossa nova globally cannot be overstated. Gilberto’s contributions have made her a symbol of the bossa nova movement and a beloved figure in Brazilian music history.
#15 Seu Jorge
Seu Jorge, born Jorge Mário da Silva, is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and actor known for his unique blend of samba, funk, and contemporary pop influences. He first gained attention in Brazil with his debut album Samba Esporte Fino in 2001, which showcased his ability to modernize traditional Brazilian music while staying true to its roots. Seu Jorge’s international fame grew after his role as Knockout Ned in the critically acclaimed film City of God and his memorable performances of David Bowie covers in Portuguese for the movie The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
Jorge’s deep, soulful voice and innovative musical style have earned him a reputation as one of Brazil’s most versatile artists. His subsequent albums, including Cru and América Brasil O Disco, further solidified his status as a leading figure in contemporary Brazilian music. Seu Jorge continues to push the boundaries of Brazilian music, blending genres and influences to create a sound that is uniquely his own.
#16 Tim Maia
Tim Maia was a pioneering Brazilian singer, songwriter, and producer who played a crucial role in introducing soul, funk, and disco to Brazilian music. Born Sebastião Rodrigues Maia in Rio de Janeiro, Maia’s career began in the 1970s, and he quickly became known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. His music was a revolutionary fusion of Brazilian rhythms with American funk and soul, as evidenced in his hit albums Tim Maia and Racional Vol. 1 & 2, which remain influential to this day.
Maia’s songs, such as “Não Quero Dinheiro (Só Quero Amar)” and “Primavera,” became anthems of Brazilian popular music, resonating with audiences across the country. Despite his struggles with addiction and a tumultuous personal life, Tim Maia’s contributions to Brazilian music are undeniable. He is celebrated as one of the most influential and original voices in Brazil’s musical history, with a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
#17 Zeca Pagodinho
Zeca Pagodinho, born Jessé Gomes da Silva Filho, is a celebrated Brazilian samba and pagode singer known for his lively performances and infectious rhythms. He began his career in the 1980s in Rio de Janeiro, where he became a leading figure in the pagode movement, a subgenre of samba that emphasizes upbeat tempos and themes of everyday life. Pagodinho’s debut album, Zeca Pagodinho, was released in 1986 and included the hit “Camarão que Dorme a Onda Leva,” which quickly became a favorite among samba enthusiasts.
Throughout his career, Zeca Pagodinho has released numerous albums that have cemented his status as a beloved figure in Brazilian music. His songs often celebrate the joys and challenges of working-class life, resonating deeply with his audience. With his warm, charismatic presence and commitment to samba, Pagodinho continues to be one of Brazil’s most popular and enduring musicians, keeping the spirit of samba alive for future generations.
#18 Lulu Santos
Lulu Santos, born Luiz Maurício Pragana dos Santos, is a Brazilian pop and rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter who has been a major figure in Brazilian music since the 1980s. He started his career in the late 1970s as a member of the progressive rock band Vímana before launching a successful solo career. Santos’s music is characterized by its catchy melodies, vibrant rhythms, and clever lyrics, blending Brazilian sounds with rock and pop influences. His 1982 debut album Tempos Modernos was a critical and commercial success, featuring hits like the title track and “De Repente Califórnia.”
Lulu Santos has continued to release hit albums and singles throughout his career, including classics like “Como Uma Onda” and “Último Romântico,” which have become staples of Brazilian pop music. His work as a judge on The Voice Brasil has further solidified his place in the Brazilian music industry, where he is revered as one of the most influential pop artists of his generation.
#19 Legião Urbana
Legião Urbana was one of the most important and influential Brazilian rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s, known for their introspective lyrics and socially conscious themes. The band was formed in Brasília in 1982 by Renato Russo, Marcelo Bonfá, and Dado Villa-Lobos. Renato Russo, the band’s charismatic lead singer and primary songwriter, became the voice of a generation with his poignant and often melancholic lyrics that addressed issues such as politics, love, and existential angst. Legião Urbana’s music combined elements of punk rock, post-punk, and Brazilian popular music, creating a sound that resonated with young audiences across Brazil.
The band’s albums, including Dois and Que País é Este, became classics of Brazilian rock, with songs like “Tempo Perdido,” “Faroeste Caboclo,” and “Eduardo e Mônica” becoming anthems for a generation. Despite the band’s dissolution after Russo’s death in 1996, Legião Urbana’s legacy endures, and they remain one of the most beloved and influential bands in Brazilian music history.
#20 Maria Bethânia
Maria Bethânia is one of Brazil’s most revered singers, known for her powerful voice, emotional depth, and sophisticated interpretations of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira). Born in Bahia, Bethânia began her career in the 1960s as part of the Tropicália movement alongside her brother, Caetano Veloso, and other influential artists. Her debut album, Maria Bethânia, released in 1965, was an immediate success, establishing her as a major force in Brazilian music. Throughout her career, Bethânia has released numerous acclaimed albums, including Álibi, which became one of the best-selling Brazilian albums of all time.
Bethânia’s music is marked by its poetic lyrics, often exploring themes of love, spirituality, and Brazilian identity, and her ability to convey deep emotion through her voice. She has collaborated with many of Brazil’s most important musicians and has been a leading figure in the MPB genre for over five decades. Maria Bethânia’s influence on Brazilian music is profound, and she continues to be celebrated as one of the country’s greatest vocalists.
#21 Ivete Sangalo
Ivete Sangalo is one of Brazil’s most popular contemporary singers, known for her dynamic performances and infectious energy. Born in Juazeiro, Bahia, Sangalo first gained fame in the 1990s as the lead singer of the axé band Banda Eva, with whom she recorded several successful albums. After launching her solo career in 1999, Sangalo quickly became a superstar, dominating the Brazilian music charts with hits like “Sorte Grande,” “Festa,” and “Arerê.” Her music blends elements of axé, samba, and pop, creating a vibrant and danceable sound that has made her a favorite among fans.
Sangalo’s live performances are legendary, and she is known for her ability to captivate large audiences with her charisma and powerful voice. She has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including multiple Latin Grammy Awards. Ivete Sangalo’s contributions to Brazilian music and her status as a cultural icon have made her one of the most influential and beloved artists in Brazil today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is considered the “Father of Bossa Nova” in Brazilian music?
João Gilberto is widely regarded as the “Father of Bossa Nova” for his pioneering role in creating and popularizing the genre. His unique guitar style and soft vocal delivery defined the sound of bossa nova.
Which Brazilian musician is famous for blending samba with funk and rock?
Jorge Ben Jor is renowned for his innovative fusion of samba with funk and rock. His hit songs like “Mas, Que Nada!” have become iconic in Brazilian music.
Which Brazilian singer is known for the hit “The Girl from Ipanema”?
Astrud Gilberto became internationally famous for her rendition of “The Girl from Ipanema.” Her soft, understated vocals helped bring bossa nova to global prominence.
Which musician played a key role in the Tropicália movement in Brazil?
Caetano Veloso was a central figure in the Tropicália movement, blending traditional Brazilian music with contemporary influences like rock and pop. His innovative work helped reshape Brazilian music in the late 1960s.
