Ivan Lins

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Ivan Guimarães Lins

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.

Discography

• Deixa O Trem Seguir (1971)
• Agora (1971)
• Quem Sou Eu? (1972)
• Modo Livre (1974)
• Chama Acesa (1975)
• Somos Todos Iguais Nesta Noite (1977)
• Nos Dias de Hoje (1978)
• A Noite (1979)
• Novo Tempo (1980)
• Daquilo que Eu Sei (1981)
• Depois dos Temporais (1983)
• Encuentro Sep. 7 1984, Grabado En Vivo (1984)
• Juntos (1984)
• Ivan Lins (1986)
• Mãos (1987)
• Iluminados (1987)
• Amar Assim (1988)
• Djavan, Ivan Lins – Brazilian Knights And A Lady (1988)
• Love Dance (1989)
• Ainda Te Procuro (1989)
• Awa Yiô (1990)
• Ivan Lins - 20 Anos Ao Vivo (1991)
• So Doi Quando Eu Rio (1991)
• Elis e Ivan (1994)
• A Doce Presença (1994)
• Anjo de Mim (1995)
• Ivan Lins, Chucho Valdés e Irakere – Ao Vivo (1996)
• Vivanoel - Tributo A Noel Rosa #1 (1997)
• Vivanoel - Tributo A Noel Rosa #2 (1997)
• Vivanoel - Tributo A Noel Rosa #3 (1997)
• Josee Koning featuring Ivan Lins & Dori Caymmi – Dois Mundos (1998)
• Um Novo Tempo (1999)
• Live At MCG (1999)
• A Cor do Pôr-Do-Sol (2000)
• Promotional Sampler Cassette From The Album A Love Affair The Music Of Ivan Lins (2000)
• Jobiniando (2001)
• Romero Lubambo Featuring Herbie Mann & Ivan Lins – Rio de Janeiro Underground (2002)
• Love Songs, A Quem Me Faz Feliz (2002)
• Josee Koning Featuring Ivan Lins & Leonardo Amuedo – Recorded In Rio (2003)
• Cantando Histórias (2004)
• Nova Bis (2005)
• O Amor É o Meu País (2005)
• Acariocando (2006)
• Saudades de Casa (2007)
• Arthur Verocai Featuring Azymuth & Ivan Lins – Encore (2007)
• Ivan Lins And The Metropole Orchestra (2009)
• Íntimo (2010)
• Yoichi Murata With Ivan Lins – Janeiro (2010)
• Velas Içadas (2010)
• Inventario Incontra Ivan Lins (2012)
• Amorágio (2012)
• George Robert Jazz Orchestra ,featuring Ivan Lins – Abre Alas (2012)
• Ivan Lins & SWR Big Band – Cornucopia (2013)
• Natal com Ivan Lins (2013)
• InventaRio Encontra Ivan Lins (2013)
• América, Brasil (2014)
• Piano e Voz (2014)
• Believe What I Say: The Music of Ivan Lins (2014)
• Intimate (2015)
• Ivan Lins - Anos 70 (2016)
• Ivan Lins & Geraldo Flach – Muito Bom Tocar Junto (2016)
• Anos 70 (2017)
• Ivan Lins, Gilson Peranzzetta – Cumplicidade (2017)
• My Heart Speaks (2023)
• Sambadouro (2026)