Levy Ferreira

Levy Ferreira came up in Campina Grande, Paraíba, where he grew up hearing the local forró rhythms and the broader sounds of MPB. He started singing young, and in 1985 he won a music festival in his hometown. That led to a deal with Som Livre and his first album, 'Caminhando,' the next year.

In 1986, he put out 'Amigo,' a ballad about friendship that became a huge hit across Brazil. The song's lyrics stirred some public debate at the time, but Ferreira stood by it. He's also known for songs like 'Deus da Minha Salvação' and 'Deus Faz,' which reflect the spiritual thread in much of his work.

His career since has had its share of label issues and other setbacks, but he kept recording. The voice that first got attention on those early records, warm, clear, suited to both ballad and rhythm, has remained his constant.