Vinicius de Moraes

Vinicius de Moraes was a Brazilian poet, diplomat, playwright, and composer born in Rio de Janeiro in 1913. He worked as a diplomat in places like France and the United States before becoming central to Brazilian music in the 1950s. His collaboration with guitarist João Gilberto helped shape what became known as bossa nova.

His lyrics gave bossa nova much of its character, with songs like 'Samba Em Prelúdio' and 'Berimbau' showing his way with words. He wrote 'Soneto de Fidelidade,' a sonnet set to music that has been translated into many languages. Other songs in his catalog include 'Regra Três,' 'A Casa,' and 'Minha Namorada.'

Vinicius worked with musicians including Tom Jobim, Carlos Lyra, Nara Leão, and Maria Bethânia. He kept writing and performing through that period.

He recorded numerous albums, such as 'Orfeu da Conceição' in 1956, 'Bossa Nova in Paris' in 1962, and 'Quatro Cantos' in 1973. His writing blended poetry with the rhythms of samba and bossa nova, leaving a body of work that remains part of Brazilian culture.