Biography
Jorge Duílio Lima Menezes, known as Jorge Ben or Jorge Ben Jor, was born on March 22, 1939, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, specifically in neighborhoods like Madureira or raised in Catumbi, to a stevedore father and part-Ethiopian mother in a musical household. Growing up singing in church choirs and initially pursuing football with Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, he turned to music after professional sports didn't pan out, learning guitar to play bossa nova and rock 'n' roll. Discovered in Copacabana clubs, he debuted in 1963 with the single 'Mas Que Nada' and album Samba Esquema Novo alongside Meirelles e os Copa Cinco, pioneering samba-rock by fusing samba with electric guitar and rock elements.
His career evolved through the 1960s amid challenges: Philips pressured rapid releases post-debut, leading to three albums in 18 months and his departure after Big Ben (1965). He briefly joined Sérgio Mendes in the US, appeared in a Mission: Impossible episode, and returned inspired by Mendes' hit cover of 'Mas Que Nada.' Moving to São Paulo, he embraced Jovem Guarda with Roberto Carlos and Erasmo Carlos on O Bidú: Silêncio No Brooklin (1967), then re-signed with Philips in 1969 via Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso, releasing landmark albums Jorge Ben (1969) and Fôrça Bruta (1970) during Tropicália. His style bridged bossa nova, samba, rock, funk, and MPB, earning him 5th greatest Brazilian artist by Rolling Stone Brazil.
Jorge Ben Jor's legacy as samba-rock's father endures, influencing MPB's transformation and new generations. Ranked among Brazil's top guitarists, his opportunistic adaptations shaped 1960s music, from samba-rock to tropicália precursors, with hits like 'Chove Chuva' and covers by global artists solidifying his impact.
Fun Facts
- Initially aspired to professional football, briefly playing for Clube de Regatas do Flamengo before choosing music.
- Appeared as a band member in a Mission: Impossible TV episode during his 1965 US stint with Sérgio Mendes.
- Named 5th greatest Brazilian artist by Rolling Stone Brazil in 2008 and included in their 2012 top 30 guitar icons.
- Invented 'samba-rock' after failing to perfectly imitate João Gilberto's bossa nova guitar, fusing it with samba instead.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- João Gilberto - stylistic influence in bossa nova guitar, which Ben adapted into his samba-rock (early attempts to imitate before Samba Esquema Novo) [early 1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Meirelles e os Copa Cinco - samba jazz group backing his debut (Samba Esquema Novo)
- Sérgio Mendes - band member during US stint, who covered his hit (Mas Que Nada cover)
- Roberto Carlos and Erasmo Carlos - childhood friends in Jovem Guarda movement (O Bidú: Silêncio No Brooklin backed by The Fevers)
- Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso - helped re-sign with Philips (Jorge Ben (1969))
Artists Influenced
- Mundo Livre S/A, Os Paralamas do Sucesso, Skank, Fernanda Abreu, Racionais MC's, Belô Velloso - covered and honored his work in new Brazilian music generations (various covers) [1990s onward]
- Elis Regina, Os Mutantes, Wilson Simonal - recorded his songs during independent years (multiple tracks) [1960s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Samba Esquema Novo | 1963-01-01 | Album |
| Força Bruta | 1970-01-12 | Album |
| A Tabua De Esmeralda | 1974-01-01 | Album |
| Jorge Ben | 1969-01-20 | Album |
| Sem Crise | 2012-12-05 | Album |
| A Banda do Zé Pretinho | 1978 | Album |
| Acústico Jorge Ben Jor A + B (Ao Vivo) | 2002-01-05 | Album |
| Africa Brasil | 1976-01-01 | Album |
| Obatalá - uma Homenagem a Mãe Carmen | 2019-09-04 | Album |
| Salve Simpatia | 1979-12-09 | Album |
| Ben | 1979-01-08 | Album |
| Grandes mestres da MPB | 1993-01-01 | Album |
| Negro É Lindo | 1971-01-11 | Album |
| Solta O Pavão (1975) | 1975-05-30 | Album |
| Puro Suingue | 2000-01-17 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Chove Chuva (Samba Esquema Novo)
- Oba, Lá Vem Ela (Força Bruta)
- Mas, Que Nada! (Samba Esquema Novo)
- Carolina, Carol Bela
- O Telefone Tocou Novamente (Força Bruta)
- Menina Mulher Da Pele Preta (A Tabua De Esmeralda)
- Solitário Surfista / Surfista Solitário (Sem Crise)
- Ogum - Ao Vivo (Zeca Pagodinho - Uma Prova De Amor Ao Vivo (Deluxe))
- País Tropical (Jorge Ben)
- Amante Amado (A Banda do Zé Pretinho)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Jorge Ben has been played 13 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.