Arlindo Cruz

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Arlindo Domingos da Cruz Filho, Arlindinho (early career)

Years Active

1981–2017

Genres

samba, pagode, samba-enredo, MPB

Instruments

cavaquinho, banjo, classical guitar, vocals

Biography

Arlindo Cruz was a cornerstone of modern Brazilian samba and pagode, renowned as both a virtuoso musician and one of the most prolific composers of his generation. Born in the Rio de Janeiro suburb of Piedade and raised in the cradle of samba, Madureira, he began his professional journey in the early 1980s. He gained prominence at the legendary Cacique de Ramos samba circles, where he honed his craft alongside titans such as Beth Carvalho and Almir Guineto. His early career was marked by his immense contribution as a songwriter, with his compositions being recorded by nearly every major samba voice in Brazil.

In 1981, Arlindo joined the revolutionary group Fundo de Quintal, replacing Jorge Aragão. During his twelve-year tenure with the band, he helped define the "Pagode" sound, characterized by the introduction of new instrumentation to the genre. After leaving the group in 1993, he launched a highly successful solo career and a notable partnership with the musician Sombrinha. His influence extended deeply into the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, where he became a legendary figure for the Império Serrano samba school, winning numerous awards for his carnival anthems (sambas-enredo).

Throughout his career, Cruz collaborated with other icons such as Zeca Pagodinho and Alcione, cementing his status as "The Perfect Sambista." Despite suffering a debilitating stroke in 2017 that forced his retirement from the stage, his musical output remains a vital part of the Brazilian songbook. He passed away in 2025, leaving a legacy of over 20 albums and hundreds of compositions that transformed the landscape of contemporary samba.

Discography

• Arlindinho (1993)
• Arlindo Cruz & Sombrinha – Da Música (1996)
• Arlindo Cruz & Sombrinha – Samba É a Nossa Cara (1997)
• Arlindo Cruz & Sombrinha – Pra Ser Feliz (1998)
• Pagode do Arlindo (Ao Vivo) (2003)
• Arlindo Cruz e Sombrinha – Ao Vivo (2004)
• Sambista Perfeito (2007)
• MTV Ao Vivo - CD 1 (2009)
• MTV Ao Vivo - CD 2 (2009)
• Batuques e Romances (2011)
• Batuques do Meu Lugar - Ao Vivo (2012)
• Fundamental (2013)
• Herança Popular (2014)
• Rogê & Arlindo Cruz – Na Veia (2015)
• Arlindo Cruz & Arlindo Neto – 2 Arlindos (2017)
• Arlindo Cruz & Sombrinha – Hoje Tem Samba