Aldir Blanc Mendes, born on September 2, 1946, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was a distinguished Brazilian lyricist, songwriter, and author of crônicas. Initially trained as a psychiatrist at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Blanc graduated in 1971 but eventually left the medical field to pursue a full-time career in music. His songwriting career began to flourish in the 1960s during the popular Brazilian music festivals, where he gained recognition for his compositions.

Blanc is best known for his long-standing collaboration with João Bosco, with whom he co-composed numerous songs that became defining pieces of Brazilian music in the 1970s. One of their most notable works is "O Bêbado e a Equilibrista," famously recorded by Elis Regina, which became an anthem for amnesty during Brazil's military dictatorship. The song was originally intended as a homage to Charlie Chaplin but evolved into a metaphorical protest against the political climate of the time.

Throughout his career, Blanc's songs were performed by a wide array of celebrated Brazilian artists, including Simone, Elizeth Cardoso, Clara Nunes, and Nana Caymmi. His discography includes albums such as "Disco De Ouro" (1977) with João Bosco, and "Aldir Blanc & Maurício Tapajós" (1984).

Aldir Blanc passed away on May 4, 2020, in Rio de Janeiro due to complications from COVID-19. His contributions to Brazilian music, particularly in the genre of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Brazil.