Tim Maia

Tim Maia, who died aged 55 in 1998, was an unapologetically irascible entertainer who was at the forefront of Brazilian soul in the música popular brasileira (MPB) style, embracing many influences such as bossa nova, disco, funk, jazz, rock and soul. Growing up in a large family in Rio de Janeiro, he wrote songs as a child and learned to play the drums and guitar. After a stint with The Sputniks, he spent four years in America from 1959 and joined a vocal group called The Ideals. That ended when he was arrested on drugs charges and deported in 1963. He returned to his homeland and began to record albums with a blend of soul, samba and the traditionally rhythmic baião style from northern Brazil. He released many recordings over the next 30 years including 'Nuvens' (1982), 'Somos America' (1987), 'Nova Era Glacial' (1995) and 'Disco Clube: Arquivo Warner' (1997). He died from multiple complications and pulmonary embolism in 1998. Many recordings have been released since his death including 'Interpreta Classicos de Bossa Nova' (2002) and 'Tim Maia in Concert' (2007).