Luís Carlos Vinhas, born Luís Carlos Parga Rodrigues Vinhas on May 19, 1940, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was a renowned Brazilian pianist and composer. He was a significant figure in the bossa nova movement, a Brazilian music genre that emerged in the late 1950s. Vinhas was known for his performances at the Beco das Garrafas, a famous nightclub in Rio de Janeiro, and for his collaborations with notable Brazilian artists such as Elis Regina, Quarteto em Cy, Jorge Ben Jor, and Maria Bethânia.

Vinhas was a founding member of the Bossa Três, one of the first bossa nova ensembles, which later became known as Gemini V with vocalists Leny Andrade and Pery Ribeiro. He released several albums, including "The Bossa 3" in 1963 and "Novas Estruturas" in 1964. His work contributed significantly to the spread of bossa nova both in Brazil and internationally.

In recognition of his contributions to Brazilian music, Vinhas was awarded the Ordem do Mérito Militar in 1993. He passed away on August 22, 2001, in Rio de Janeiro due to complications following surgery. His legacy continues to influence musicians and the bossa nova genre.