Isolda Bourdot

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Isolda Bourdot Fantucci

Years active

1970–2018

Genres

mpb, samba

Instruments

vocals, piano

Biography

Isolda Bourdot Fantucci (January 9, 1951 – December 17, 2018) was a Brazilian composer, best known for her prolific partnership with the iconic singer Roberto Carlos. Born in São Paulo, Bourdot came from a family with a strong musical background, with her great-grandfather and maternal grandmother being maestros and composers. Her passion for music ignited early, often expressed through playful musical compositions and stories created with her brother, Milton Carlos, for their childhood puppet shows.

Bourdot's professional career began in earnest in the 1970s, often in collaboration with her brother, Milton Carlos. Their songs quickly gained traction, with Roberto Carlos becoming a significant interpreter of their work. Hits like "Amigos, Amigos," "Jogo de Damas," "Elas por Elas," and "Um Jeito Estúpido de Te Amar" cemented their place in Brazilian popular music. However, it was the deeply personal ballad "Outra Vez," composed by Bourdot in the same year as her brother's tragic death, that became her most enduring legacy, a song that resonated deeply with audiences and was covered by numerous artists.

Beyond her celebrated work with Roberto Carlos, Isolda Bourdot's compositions were recorded by a wide array of esteemed Brazilian artists, including Alcione, Simone, Maria Bethânia, Ronnie Von, and Gal Costa, among many others. Her versatility as a songwriter allowed her to craft pieces that suited diverse vocal styles and musical interpretations. Bourdot also shared her knowledge by publishing a book titled "Você Também Faz Músicas" (You Also Make Music), offering guidance to aspiring composers. She passed away in São Paulo at the age of 67, leaving behind a rich catalog of songs that continue to be celebrated in Brazilian music.