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Milton Nascimento

Biography

Milton Nascimento, born on October 26, 1942, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a renowned singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Adopted by a couple from Minas Gerais, he grew up in Três Pontas, where his adoptive mother, a music teacher, influenced his early musical exposure. Nascimento began singing as a teenager and moved to Belo Horizonte at 19 to pursue music. His career took off after Elis Regina recorded his song 'Canção do Sal' in 1966, leading to a TV appearance and recognition at the 1967 International Pop Song Festival in Rio. This success established him as a major talent in Brazil, with albums like 'Travessia' and 'Milton Nascimento' cementing his reputation. Nascimento's unique sound blends various styles, including rock, jazz, and traditional Brazilian music, making him a sought-after collaborator globally. He has worked with artists like Wayne Shorter, Paul Simon, and Quincy Jones, and has won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards. His legacy extends beyond his music, as he has been a voice for social and environmental causes, notably through albums like 'Misa dos Quilombos' and 'Txai'.

Nascimento's musical style is characterized by his haunting falsetto and a wide tonal range, which has captivated audiences worldwide. His work with the 'Clube da Esquina' movement, alongside artists like Lô Borges and Wagner Tiso, produced iconic songs like 'Cais' and 'Cravo é Canela'. His international breakthrough came with the album 'Native Dancer' in 1974, featuring jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Nascimento's collaborations have been pivotal in shaping his career, allowing him to explore diverse musical landscapes while maintaining his Brazilian roots.

Throughout his career, Nascimento has been recognized for his contributions to music, not only in Brazil but globally. His ability to blend different musical genres has made him a versatile artist, capable of appealing to a wide range of audiences. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike, solidifying his position as one of Brazil's most celebrated musical figures.

Fun Facts

  • Milton Nascimento's song 'Coração de Estudante' became a hymn for the Diretas Já campaign in 1984.
  • He was a close friend of actor River Phoenix and wrote a song in his honor.
  • His song 'Canção da América' was a favorite of racing legend Ayrton Senna.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Lília Silva Campos - adoptive mother and music teacher (early musical influence) [childhood]

Key Collaborators

  • Elis Regina - recorded his songs, leading to early recognition ('Canção do Sal') [1966]
  • Wayne Shorter - collaboration on 'Native Dancer' ('Native Dancer') [1974]
  • Paul Simon - collaboration on various projects (various projects) [1970s-1980s]
  • Lô Borges - founding member of 'Clube da Esquina' ('Clube da Esquina') [1970s]

Artists Influenced

  • Björk - collaboration and mutual influence (collaborative projects) [late 1990s]
  • Pat Metheny - collaboration and mutual influence (collaborative projects) [late 1990s]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
FRAGMENTADO 2025-05-29 Album
Clube Da Esquina 1972-01-03 Album
Antes Que A Terra Acabe 2025-06-13 Album
Pietá 2005-07-26 Album
Clube Da Esquina 2 1978-01-02 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Ninguém Vai Tirar Minha Paz (Diamantes, Lágrimas e Rostos para Esquecer)
  2. Quem Sabe Isso Quer Dizer Amor (Pietá)
  3. DEMORO A DORMIR (Quanto Mais Eu Como, Mais Fome Eu Sinto !)
  4. Cálice (Chico Buarque)
  5. O Que Será (A Flor Da Terra) (Meus Caros Amigos)
  6. Tudo O Que Você Podia Ser (Clube Da Esquina)
  7. Maria Maria (Clube Da Esquina 2)
  8. Clube Da Esquina Nº2 - Acústico
  9. Mais Bonito Não Há
  10. Cantar Será Buscar o Caminho Que Vai Dar no Sol – Uma Homenagem a Milton Nascimento (Sambas de Enredo Rio Carnaval 2025)

Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #brazil, #clube-da-esquina

References

  1. faroutrecordings.com
  2. bluenote.com
  3. latinolife.co.uk

Heard on WWOZ

Milton Nascimento has been played 5 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Jan 3, 202615:14Paixao e Fefrom Clube da Esquina 2Tudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis
Nov 15, 202515:46Amor de Indiofrom Nada Sera Como AntesTudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis
Nov 8, 202514:38Ruas da Cidadefrom Clube da Esquina 2Tudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis
Oct 27, 202500:07The Call (Chamada)The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis
Oct 25, 202515:12Feminina Voz do Cantorfrom PietaTudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis