João de Aquino

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1964–2022

Genres

choro, samba, MPB, instrumental

Instruments

acoustic guitar, vocals

Biography

João de Aquino Monteiro was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1945 and built a solid career as a classical guitarist, singer, composer, arranger, and music producer. The grandson of a conductor and cousin of renowned classical guitarist Baden Powell, he was immersed in music from an early age, becoming a prominent figure in the Brazilian instrumental scene and in samba.

Throughout his career, João de Aquino collaborated with several key names in our culture, such as Maurício Carrilho, Cartola, Elza Soares, and Martinho da Vila. His first major songwriting success was the song "Viagem", composed in 1964 in partnership with Paulo César Pinheiro and later recorded by Marisa Gata Mansa.

Recognized for his artistic contribution, he was awarded the Prêmio Sharp and the Chave de Ouro. The classical guitarist passed away in Rio de Janeiro in September 2022, after suffering a cardiac arrest resulting from pneumonia, leaving behind a rich instrumental and original discography.

Discography

• Violão Viageiro (1974)
• João de Aquino, Hermínio Bello de Carvalho, Simone – Festa Brasil (1974)
• Terreiro Grande (1978)
• Asfalto (1980)
• João de Aquino e Mauricio Carrilho (1986)
• Patuá (1991)
• Bordões (1995)
• Elza Soares & João de Aquino (2021)
• Sabor