Luiz Gonzaga

Luiz Gonzaga was a Brazilian singer-songwriter and accordion player who achieved legendary status in his homeland with many recordings, several of which were released following his death at the age of 76 in 1989. Born to a farming family, he learned to play the accordion as a child and following military service he moved to Rio de Janeiro and began performing professionally. He developed the rhythmic baiäo style of traditional Brazilian music and appeared on national radio. His song 'Asa Branca' written with Humberto Teixeira was his most successful hit.

When the Bossa Nova became popular in the 1960s, he continued to perform across the country and returned to favour in the '70s and '80s when his songs were recorded by Gilberto Gil and Geraldo Vandré, collaborating with other artists including Humberto Teixeira and Zé Dantas.