Jorge Aragão

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1970–present

Genres

samba, pagode, MPB, samba-rock

Instruments

singing, acoustic guitar, cavaquinho, electric guitar

Biography

Jorge Aragão da Cruz is a prominent Brazilian singer, musician, and composer born in Rio de Janeiro. Growing up in Padre Miguel, he taught himself to play the acoustic guitar around the age of eleven and later mastered the cavaquinho and electric guitar. Influenced by both the Jovem Guarda movement and traditional samba, he emerged as a versatile artist who helped shape the sound of modern samba and pagode.

In the 1970s, Aragão became associated with the legendary Cacique de Ramos bloc and later joined the pioneering group Fundo de Quintal as one of its principal songwriters. He launched a successful solo career in the 1980s, releasing acclaimed albums such as Coisa de Pele and Raiz e Flor. His compositions have been recorded by renowned MPB and samba icons like Beth Carvalho, Elza Soares, Alcione, and Zeca Pagodinho, cementing his legacy as one of Brazil's master songwriters.

Throughout his decades-long career, Aragão has released numerous studio and live albums, earning critical acclaim and a Latin Grammy nomination for his comprehensive Samba Book project. In addition to his musical output, he has worked as a commentator for Rio de Janeiro's Carnival broadcasts and remains an influential figure in Brazilian popular music. His timeless classics, including "Malandro" and "Coisinha do Pai," continue to be celebrated across generations of samba enthusiasts.

Discography

• Jorge Aragão (1981)
• Verão (1983)
• Coisa de Pele (1986)
• Raiz e Flor (1988)
• A Seu Favor (1990)
• Chorando Estrelas (1992)
• Um Jorge (1993)
• Acena (1994)
• Sambista A Bordo (1997)
• Sambaí (1998)
• Ao Vivo (1999)
• Tocando O Samba (1999)
• Ao Vivo 2 (2000)
• Todas (2001)
• Ao Vivo Convida (2002)
• Da Noite pro Dia (2003)
• Ao Vivo 3 (2004)
• E Aí ? (2006)
• Aragão • Ben Jor • Mautner • Vercilo – Coisa de Jorge (Ao Vivo na Praia de Copacabana) (2007)
• MANIA AO VIVO (2015)
• Sambabook Jorge Aragão, Vol. 1 (2016)
• Sambabook Jorge Aragão, Vol. 2 (2016)
• Sambabook Jorge Aragão, Vol. 3 (2016)
• Jorge 70: Ao Vivo em São Paulo (2021)
• Macaco Sessions (2024)
• A Live Samba (2025)
• Herança (2025)
• FM o Dia à Vontade: Jorge Aragão (Ao Vivo) (2026)