Leandro e Leonardo

Origin

Goianápolis, GO

Years active

1983–1998

Genres

sertanejo music, romantic sertanejo

Biography

Leandro & Leonardo was a renowned Brazilian sertanejo music duo formed by Goian brothers Luiz José Costa, known as Leandro, and Emival Eterno da Costa, known as Leonardo. Before achieving stardom, the brothers worked on the farm and followed different paths in their youth until forming the musical partnership in 1983. After a modest beginning with an independent album and their first official records, the duo conquered Brazil in 1989 with their third studio album and the mega-hit "Entre Tapas e Beijos". From then on, they accumulated resounding hits like "Pense em Mim", "Não Aprendi a Dizer Adeus" and "Cerveja", becoming top exponents of romantic sertanejo and selling tens of millions of records throughout their career.

The partnership was tragically interrupted on June 23, 1998, when Leandro passed away as a victim of a rare and aggressive type of cancer known as Askin's tumor. The singer's premature death caused national mourning and ended one of the most remarkable phases of the country's popular music, followed by Leonardo's transition into a successful solo career. The duo left an indelible legacy in Brazilian culture, being frequently remembered alongside genre icons like Chitãozinho & Xororó and Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano.