George Israel

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1981

Genres

pop rock, rock, mpb

Instruments

saxophone, vocals, guitar

Biography

George Alberto Heilborn Israel is a renowned Brazilian composer and saxophonist, born in Rio de Janeiro. He rose to national prominence as a founding member of the iconic pop-rock band Kid Abelha, which he joined in 1981 alongside Paula Toller and Bruno Fortunato. Throughout his decades with the group, he co-produced several albums, including their celebrated MTV Unplugged, and co-wrote dozens of enduring hits with Toller and Cazuza.

In addition to his monumental work with Kid Abelha, Israel has cultivated a diverse solo career starting in the mid-2000s, releasing albums such as 4 Letras, Distorções do Meu Jardim, and 13 Parcerias com Cazuza. His collaborative spirit extends across various projects, including the Beatles tribute band Os Britos, the funk and soul group Black Carlos alongside Toni Garrido, and electronic music ventures with DJ Memê. His saxophone playing and songwriting have left an indelible mark on Brazilian rock and pop, bridging generations of artists from Leoni and Herbert Vianna to contemporary performers.