Roberto Carlos, 80 - Folha de S. Paulo

Roberto Carlos, 80: A Biography of the Brazilian Music Legend

Roberto Carlos is one of the most iconic and beloved figures in Brazilian music. With a career spanning over six decades, he has sold over 120 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

In this comprehensive and meticulously researched biography, journalist and music critic João Carlos Martins tells the story of Roberto Carlos's life and career, from his humble beginnings in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, to his rise to international stardom. Martins draws on extensive interviews with Roberto Carlos, his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as archival research, to paint a vivid and intimate portrait of the man behind the music.

Early Life and Career

Roberto Carlos was born on April 19, 1941, in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil. He was the youngest of four children born to Robertino Braga and Laura Moreira Braga. His father was a watchmaker and his mother was a homemaker.

Roberto Carlos showed an early talent for music and began playing the guitar at the age of six. He formed his first band, The Sputniks, in 1957, and began performing at local clubs and parties. In 1959, he was discovered by a talent scout from the record label CBS and signed his first recording contract.

Rise to Stardom

Roberto Carlos's first album, "Louco por Você" (Crazy for You), was released in 1961 and was a commercial success. He quickly became one of the most popular singers in Brazil and his music began to be played on radio stations all over the country.

In 1964, Roberto Carlos released his breakthrough album, "Jovem Guarda" (Young Guard). The album was a huge hit and spawned several hit singles, including "É Proibido Fumar" (Smoking Is Forbidden) and "Quero Que Vá Tudo pro Inferno" (I Want It All to Go to Hell). Roberto Carlos became a teen idol and his music became known as "jovem guarda" (young guard), a term that came to define a whole generation of Brazilian youth.

International Success

In the 1970s, Roberto Carlos began to expand his international reach. He released albums in Spanish and English and toured extensively throughout Latin America, Europe, and the United States. He also collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, and Julio Iglesias.

Roberto Carlos's international success reached its peak in the 1980s, when he released a series of hit albums, including "Emociones" (1981), "Ao Vivo no Maracanã" (1982), and "Roberto Carlos" (1984). These albums sold millions of copies worldwide and made Roberto Carlos one of the most popular singers in the world.

Later Career and Legacy

In the 1990s and 2000s, Roberto Carlos continued to release albums and tour the world. He also branched out into other areas of entertainment, including acting and television hosting.

In 2011, Roberto Carlos was inducted into the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame. He is also the recipient of numerous other awards and honors, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Brazil, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Brazilian citizen.

Roberto Carlos is a true icon of Brazilian music and his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come. His music is a reflection of his own life and experiences, and it has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world.

Why You Should Read This Book

If you are a fan of Roberto Carlos or if you are simply interested in the history of Brazilian music, then this book is a must-read. João Carlos Martins has written a definitive biography of one of the most important figures in Brazilian music. The book is full of fascinating details and insights, and it is sure to leave you with a greater appreciation for Roberto Carlos's music and his incredible career.

Order Your Copy Today!

Roberto Carlos, 80 is available now at your favorite bookstore or online retailer. Order your copy today and start reading the story of one of the greatest musicians of all time.