Leandro

Origin

Goianápolis, GO

Also known as

Luiz José Costa

Years active

1983–1998

Genres

sertanejo, sertanejo universitário, mpb

Instruments

vocals, acoustic guitar

Biography

Luiz José Costa, better known as Leandro, was a prominent Brazilian singer and songwriter born in Goianápolis. He rose to national fame in the 1980s and 1990s as part of the immensely successful sertanejo duo Leandro & Leonardo, alongside his younger brother Emival Eterno da Costa, known professionally as Leonardo. Their modern take on traditional country music revolutionized the genre, highlighted by blockbuster hits such as "Entre Tapas e Beijos" and "Pense em Mim", which cemented their legacy in Brazilian popular culture.

Before achieving musical stardom, Leandro worked humble jobs in rural Goiás and in Goiânia before finding his calling as a vocalist in local bands. As part of Leandro & Leonardo, he was responsible for the second voice of the duo, performing alongside iconic acts of the era like Chitãozinho & Xororó and Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano in special television projects such as the Amigos tour. The duo broke record sales marks, selling millions of copies and becoming cultural icons who even performed private concerts for government officials.

Tragically, Leandro's life and career were cut short when he was diagnosed with a rare lung tumor in 1998, leading to his untimely death in São Paulo. Following his passing, his mother established the Casa de Apoio São Luiz to help cancer patients, honoring his philanthropic wishes. His musical legacy endures through his recorded works and his family members who followed him into the artistic world, ensuring his memory remains a cornerstone of sertanejo music.