Caetano Veloso

Caetano Veloso was born in 1942 in a small town in the interior of Bahia, as Santo Amaro da Purificacao. As a poor child, he dreamed of becomming an artist. The family moved to Salvador, where littel Caetano fell in love with music. He studied the guitar, and spent his free time composing music.

His chance was in Rio. When a famous Nara Leao had to cancel the show, she looked for a substitute. The singer Nara recommended for the part was a singer named Bethania, Caetano7s sister. He brought his osngs with him, and thanks to his sister's voice, the songs became hits.
In 1966, he won the prize of Best lyricist with the composition "Um Dia" at the TV- record festival. He signed his first contract with the Philips label.

Through the TV program "Esta Noite Se Improvisa" he got more and more popular. Soon, he became a national star, and moved to Sao Paolo. Together with Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, and Tom Ze. created a musical movement called "Tropicalia".

In 1969, he had to leave the country for being politically involved. He moved to London, and from there, he sent his composition to Elis Regina, Gal Costa, Erasmo Carlos, etc... he joined the show of Sergio Mendes, and performed in Europe.

In 1972, he went back to Brazil, and resumed recording.
In 1978, his best anthology was released. His performance was highly praised by public and critics. He released best-selling records. In 1980, he released an LP record called "Brazil", together with Joao Gilberto, Gilberto Gil, Marisa Bethania, which album is considered historical in Brazil.
In 1981, a Gold Record was awarded to him in the category of Best singer. His fame was international, and he toured around the world.