Ary Barroso
Ary Evangelista de Resende Barroso (November 7, 1903 – February 9, 1964) was a seminal figure in Brazilian music, renowned for his influential contributions as a composer, pianist, and broadcaster. Born in Ubá, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Barroso's early life was characterized by a deep passion for music, particularly the piano, which he began playing at the age of ten. Despite becoming an orphan at seven, he was raised by his grandmother and aunt, who encouraged his musical education.
Barroso's career was marked by his role as a leading composer of samba music, and he was instrumental in popularizing the genre internationally. His 1939 composition "Aquarela do Brasil" (known globally as "Brazil") became one of the most recorded songs of all time and introduced the samba-exaltação style, characterized by grand, epic melodies that celebrated Brazilian culture and identity. This song was notably featured in the 1942 Disney film "Saludos Amigos" and contributed to his international acclaim.
Throughout his career, Barroso composed numerous hits for artists such as Carmen Miranda and João Gilberto, and his work was integral to the soundtracks of Disney films like "The Three Caballeros." His soundtrack for the film "Brazil" was nominated for an Oscar in 1945, earning him a Merit Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In recognition of his contributions to Brazilian culture, he was awarded the National Order of Merit in 1955.
In addition to his music career, Barroso was a lawyer, radio announcer, humorist, and soccer commentator, famously declining a move to the United States to remain close to his beloved Flamengo soccer club. Despite his many talents, Barroso's life was cut short when he succumbed to liver cirrhosis in 1964, leaving behind a legacy as one of Brazil's most cherished musical figures.
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