Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist João Donato dies in Rio aged 88

João Donato in 2007. Photo THIAGO PICCOLI (CREATIVE COMMONS )

by Cristina Indio do Brasil

Singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and arranger João Donato died aged 88 in Rio de Janeiro in the early hours of Monday (Jul. 17). The artist had been hospitalised last week because of a lung infection. João Donato’s Instagram page reported his death. “The songwriters’ heaven woke up happier this morning, as João Donato joined them to play his beautiful melodies. His joy as well as his chords will now last forever across the universe.”

Brazilian President Lula tweeted that that the country lost one of its greatest and most creative composers today.

“João Donato could see music in everything. A groundbreaker, he experimented with samba, bossa nova, jazz, and forró, and achieved something unique with his blend of genres. He was a creator and a trailblazer to the very end. May he find the peace he sang about so much. His music will remain with us. My condolences to his family, friends, and musicians who draw inspiration from him, as well as to his fans around the world.”

Donato was born on August 17, 1934, in Rio Branco, capital of the northern state of Acre, and moved with his family to Rio de Janeiro 11 years later. Music came early to him. Encouraged by his father, a mandolin player, and his mother, a singer, he could already play the accordion at age five.

In Rio de Janeiro, after participating in musical parties in schools in Tijuca, Northern Rio, he began to join jam sessions at the home of singer Dick Farney and at the Sinatra Farney Fã Club at the age of 15.

The first time he appeared on record was as a member of the band of flutist Altamiro Carrilho. It was also around this time he got in contact with other major names, like Lúcio Alves, and became known by artists outside Brazil, including Chet Baker.

In the 50s, he moved to the US, where he explored and combined jazz and Latin music.

In 2016, his album Donato Elétrico was nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Instrumental. The record was also elected as the 11th best Brazilian album of the year by Rolling Stone Brasil magazine.

Donato’s body will be cremated at the Memorial do Carmo, in Rio de Janeiro.

First published at Agência Brasil, July 18, 2023