Caetano Veloso

Bio

Bahian singer-songwriter Caetano Veloso is one of the most important musicians in Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). Some even consider him one of the best songwriters of the 20th century, being compared to names like Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney. He himself does not consider himself up to the standards of the aforementioned colleagues, nor of his compatriots Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil, or Djavan, among others – not to mention Tom Jobim.

Caetano began his career interpreting bossa nova songs, under the influence of João Gilberto, one of the icons and founders of the bossa nova movement and who also collaborated with the musical style that became known as MPB. Caetano’s name became firmly established in the Tropicália movement, which was associated with the counterculture. Brazilian producer, arranger, and writer, the young Caetano participated in semi-amateur shows alongside Tom Zé, his sister Maria Bethânia, Gal Costa, and his partner Gilberto Gil. His first musical work was a soundtrack for the play “A exceção e a regra” (The Exception and the Rule), directed by Álvaro Guimarães in Salvador. His career already succeeded five decades. 

In 1965, the Bahian began his work professionally while accompanying his younger sister Maria Bethânia on her national performances in the Opinião show. Shortly thereafter, he participated in popular music festivals and composed movie soundtracks. He released his first LP in 1967, Domingo, with Gal Costa, the same year he lead the Tropicalismo movement. Caetano is considered one of the most influential Brazilian artists since the 1960s and has been called a post-modern aedo. In 2004, he was considered one of the most respected and productive Latin American musicians in the world, with more than fifty albums available and collaborations in the soundtracks for films such as Pedro Almodovar’s “Hable con Ella” and Julie Taymor’s “Frida” – whose track “Burn It Blue”, in collaboration with Lili Downs, competed for “Best Original Song” at the Oscars in 2003. That year’s award ceremony also included a performance by Caetano alongside the Mexican. 

Throughout his career, Veloso has also become one of the most controversial personalities with the greatest force of national opinion. He has won several awards, including 13 Latin and 2 American Grammys, as well as two titles at the 24th edition of the Brazilian Music Awards – one as Best Singer with the CD Abraçaço, in the Pop/Rock/Reggae/Hiphop/Funk category, the same album being awarded in the Best Visual Project category.

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