Jorge Roberto Martins

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

mpb, choro, samba-canção, bossa nova

Instruments

piano

Biography

Jorge Roberto Martins was a multifaceted Brazilian artist, recognized as a journalist, music critic, pianist, radio host, and poet. Born on January 2, 1942, in Rio de Janeiro, he was the son of the pianist and composer Roberto Martins. Martins pursued legal studies before embarking on a career in journalism, initially at Diário de Notícias and later as a music critic for Isto É magazine. From 1982 to 1992, he penned the "Música Popular" column for the newspaper O Dia, and in 1990, he served as the Programming Manager for Rádio Nacional.

His contributions extended beyond journalism and music criticism. Martins was also a performer, often presenting himself as a pianist in various cultural spaces and restaurants in Rio de Janeiro and on Paquetá Island. He produced and hosted the program "Sala de música" on Rádio MEC FM from 2001 to 2003, which was dedicated exclusively to instrumental Brazilian music. In 2007, he hosted "Eles Têm História Para Contar" on Rádio Roquete Pinto FM. His passion for music and literature led him to author several books, including "Na Cadência do Choro" (2006), "Luas de Paquetá" (2009), and "Cá Entre Nós" (2014), a collection of poems. In 2019, he released the biography "O bandolim colorido de Joel Nascimento."

Jorge Roberto Martins also held significant positions in cultural institutions, serving as the president of the Museu da Imagem e do Som (MIS) from 1995 to 1997. He passed away on December 22, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, with his ashes being scattered at sea in Paquetá, an island that held a special place in his life. His legacy includes his extensive work in journalism, his contributions to the appreciation of Brazilian music, and his literary endeavors, leaving a mark on the cultural landscape of Brazil. He is remembered for his deep connection to the island of Paquetá and his lifelong dedication to the arts.