Milton Magalhães

Milton Magalhães came from São Gonçalo in Espírito Santo, Brazil, where he grew up hearing samba, bossa nova, and folk music. He put out his first album in 1982, which included the song Terra Saudade. That track became his most recognized piece, touching on themes of longing and nostalgia.

His band included guitarist Álvaro Lancellotti, bassist Guto Goffi, and drummer Téo Lima at different points. After the debut, he released Alma Lavada in 1984, O Vento e a Chuva in 1987, and Canções de Amor e Liberdade in 1990. The lyrics in his songs often dealt with love, loss, and searching for meaning.

Magalhães faced some criticism early on for what some called an experimental approach, and his outspoken views on social justice occasionally stirred things up. But Terra Saudade kept finding listeners, and other artists have covered his material since.