Ivan Lins
- Origin
- Rio de Janeiro, RJ
- Years active
- 1970
- Genres
- mpb, jazz, bossa nova, soul, pop
- Instruments
- piano, vocals
Biography
Ivan Lins is a seminal Brazilian singer, pianist, and composer born in Rio de Janeiro in 1945. Heavily influenced by jazz, soul, and bossa nova, he transitioned from a background in industrial chemistry to a full-time musical career after participating in music festivals during the late 1960s. His compositional prowess gained national attention when the legendary Elis Regina recorded his hit "Madalena," cementing his status as a rising star in the MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) scene.
Throughout the 1970s, Lins formed a prolific partnership with lyricist Vítor Martins, producing hits like "Abre Alas" and "Somos todos iguais nesta noite." During this era, his music often carried subtle yet powerful political undertones in response to Brazil's military dictatorship. A significant milestone was the song "Começar de novo," which became a major hit through the voice of Simone and served as the opening theme for the iconic television series Malu Mulher.
Beyond domestic success, Lins achieved immense international acclaim, with his melodies being reinterpreted by global jazz and pop icons. In 1991, he co-founded the independent label Velas, which provided a crucial platform for talented Brazilian artists such as Lenine and Guinga. Over his career, Lins has been honored with multiple Latin Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for "Cantando Histórias," solidifying his legacy as one of Brazil's most sophisticated and globally respected musical figures.