Biography
Jorge Duílio Lima Menezes, known professionally as Jorge Ben Jor, was born on March 22, 1939, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Raised in a musically rich household, he sang in the church choir as a child and initially aspired to become a professional footballer, even playing briefly for Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. When his football career did not materialize, he turned to music, performing in Rio’s Copacabana clubs, where he was discovered by a record producer and signed to Philips. His debut single, 'Mas, Que Nada!' (1963), became an instant classic, launching his career and leading to his first album, 'Samba Esquema Novo.'
Ben Jor’s musical style is distinguished by its innovative fusion of samba with elements of bossa nova, funk, rock, and jazz, a blend that would later be known as 'samba rock.' Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he played a pivotal role in the evolution of Brazilian popular music (MPB), contributing to major movements such as bossa nova, Jovem Guarda, and Tropicália. His albums, including 'Força Bruta' (1970), are considered milestones in Brazilian music. Ben Jor’s rhythmic guitar work, soulful vocals, and inventive songwriting have earned him recognition as one of the most influential Brazilian artists, with Rolling Stone Brazil naming him the fifth greatest Brazilian musical artist of all time.
Jorge Ben Jor’s legacy extends far beyond his own recordings. His songs have been covered by international artists, and his influence is evident in generations of Brazilian musicians. He has received numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy. His enduring appeal is reflected in the continued popularity of his music, both in Brazil and internationally, with hits like 'Mas, Que Nada!' remaining staples of global music culture.
Fun Facts
- Jorge Ben Jor briefly played professional football for Clube de Regatas do Flamengo before pursuing music.
- He appeared in an episode of the American TV show 'Mission Impossible' during his time in the United States.
- His stage name was changed from Jorge Ben to Jorge Ben Jor in the late 1980s, likely to avoid confusion with American musician George Benson as his international fame grew.
- His song 'Mas, Que Nada!' is one of the most covered Brazilian songs worldwide, with notable versions by Sérgio Mendes and The Black Eyed Peas.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- João Gilberto - Stylistic influence; Ben Jor admired Gilberto's bossa nova guitar style but ultimately developed his own approach after finding he could not imitate it exactly. (Influence evident in early albums such as 'Samba Esquema Novo') [early 1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Sérgio Mendes - Collaborated in Mendes' band in the US; Mendes' cover of 'Mas, Que Nada!' became an international hit. ('Mas, Que Nada!' (covered by Mendes in 1966 and again in 2006 with The Black Eyed Peas)) [mid-1960s, 2006]
- Gilberto Gil - Friend and peer; supported Ben Jor's return to Philips label and shared a commitment to Afro-Brazilian culture. (Collaborative performances and mutual influence in Tropicália movement) [late 1960s–present]
- Os Mutantes - Recorded Ben Jor's compositions; shared involvement in Tropicália movement. (Covers of Ben Jor's songs) [late 1960s]
Artists Influenced
- Mundo Livre S/A - Cited Ben Jor as a major influence on their samba-rock sound. (Band's discography reflects Ben Jor's rhythmic and stylistic innovations) [1990s–present]
- Racionais MC's - Brazilian hip-hop group influenced by Ben Jor's blending of samba and funk. (Sampling and stylistic homage in their music) [1990s–present]
- Fernanda Abreu - Singer who has covered Ben Jor's songs and adopted his samba-funk style. (Covers and stylistic references) [1990s–present]
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
Tags: #bossa-nova, #mpb, #samba-rock
References
Heard on WWOZ
Jorge Ben Jor has been played 6 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 22, 2025 | 22:21 | Os Alquimistas Estao Chegando | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman | |
| Dec 6, 2025 | 14:38 | Frases | Tudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis | |
| Dec 4, 2025 | 15:36 | Mas Que Nada | Bluesw/ DJ Giant | |
| Nov 18, 2025 | 06:26 | Errare Humanum Estfrom A Tabua De Esmeralda | The Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire | |
| Sep 23, 2025 | 08:12 | Ive Brussellfrom Salve Simpatia | The Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire | |
| Sep 20, 2025 | 14:34 | O Telefone Tocou Novamente | Tudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis |