Caetano Emanuel Viana Teles Veloso, born on August 7, 1942, in Santo Amaro da Purificação, Bahia, Brazil, is a renowned Brazilian composer, singer, guitarist, writer, and political activist. Known for his pivotal role in the Tropicália movement of the 1960s, Veloso's work has been a significant cultural force in Brazil and internationally. His music, characterized by its eclectic blend of samba, MPB, bossa nova, tropicalia, rock, and more, has earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including nineteen Brazilian Music Awards, nine Latin Grammy Awards, and two Grammy Awards.

Veloso grew up in a family deeply connected to the arts, with his sister Maria Bethânia also becoming a successful singer. He was heavily influenced by the bossa nova style of João Gilberto, which shaped his early musical development. After moving to Salvador and later Rio de Janeiro, Veloso became a key figure in the Tropicália movement, which combined traditional Brazilian music with international influences and politically charged lyrics.

In 1969, during Brazil's military dictatorship, Veloso and fellow musician Gilberto Gil were arrested and later exiled to London due to their politically provocative music. They returned to Brazil in 1972, and Veloso continued to innovate musically, releasing influential albums like "Transa" and "Bicho."

Throughout his career, Veloso has remained a dynamic and influential figure in music, known for his genre-defying work and his commitment to political and cultural expression. His contributions have solidified his status as a cultural icon, both in Brazil and around the world.