Emílio Santiago

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Emílio Vitalino Santiago

Years Active

1960s–2013

Genres

MPB, bossa nova, samba, bolero

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Emílio Santiago was one of the most prominent interpreters of MPB, possessing a rich and powerful baritone voice that won over audiences in Brazil and abroad. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he initially studied law at the Faculdade Nacional de Direito, where friends secretly entered him into a university music festival that he ultimately won. Encouraged by early successes and the praise of figures like Beth Carvalho, he began performing in student festivals and working as a crooner before launching his professional recording career in the 1970s.

Although his early albums for CID and Philips-Polygram earned critical acclaim, mainstream commercial breakthrough arrived in 1988 with the landmark project Aquarela Brasileira, produced by Roberto Menescal. Originally conceived as a single release, the project expanded into a seven-volume series that sold millions of copies and yielded massive hits such as Saigon and Verdade Chinesa. His sophisticated taste also led him to record tribute albums honoring icons like Dick Farney, Gonzaguinha, and João Donato, as well as exploring bossa nova and traditional boleros.

Throughout his celebrated career, Santiago shared stages and musical affinities with legendary artists including Gilberto Gil, Ivan Lins, and Jorge Ben. He earned widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers often comparing his vocal elegance to that of American jazz great Nat King Cole. Emílio Santiago remained active until his passing in 2013, leaving behind an enduring legacy defined by exquisite phrasing, technical mastery, and an unwavering devotion to the finest traditions of Brazilian song.

Discography

• Emílio Santiago (1975)
• Brasileiríssimas (1976)
• Feito para Ouvir (1977)
• Comigo É Assim (1977)
• Emilio (1978)
• O Canto Crescente de Emilio Santiago (1979)
• Guerreiro Coração (1980)
• Amor de Lua (1981)
• Ensaios de Amor (1982)
• Mais que um Momento (1983)
• O Amigo de Nova York (1983)
• Tá na Hora (1984)
• Aquarela Brasileira (1988)
• Aquarela Brasileira 2 (1989)
• Aquarela Brasileira 3 (1990)
• Aquarela Brasileira 4 (1991)
• Aquarela Brasileira 5 (1992)
• Aquarela Brasileira 6 (1993)
• Aquarela Brasileira 7 (1994)
• Perdido de Amor (1995)
• Dias de Luna (1996)
• Emílio Santiago (1996)
• Preciso Dizer que Te Amo (1998)
• Bossa Nova (2000)
• Um Sorriso nos Lábios (2001)
• Aguarela Brasileira (2001)
• Emílio Santiago Encontra João Donato (2003)
• O Melhor das Aquarelas Ao Vivo (2005)
• De um Jeito Diferente (2007)
• Só Danço Samba (2010)
• Só Danço Samba Ao Vivo (2011)
• Todas as Cores de Emílio Santiago, Vol. 1 (2016)
• Todas as Cores de Emílio Santiago, Vol. 2 (2016)
• Todas as Cores de Emílio Santiago, Vol. 3 (2016)
• Todas as Cores de Emílio Santiago, Vol. 4 (2016)