Lucinha Turnbull

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Genres

rock, folk, mpb

Instruments

guitar, vocals

Biography

Lucinha Turnbull is a pioneering Brazilian singer, songwriter, and guitarist, widely recognized as the first woman to play the electric guitar professionally in Brazil. Born in São Paulo to a Scottish father and a Brazilian mother, her musical journey began in her youth when she immersed herself in rock and folk influences, eventually moving to London where she formed the folk group Solid British Hat Band and acquired her first electric guitar. Upon returning to Brazil in the early 1970s, she quickly integrated into the burgeoning tropicalia and rock scenes, performing at the Teatro Oficina and launching a lifelong collaboration with iconic artists.

Throughout her illustrious career, Turnbull has worked alongside legendary figures of Brazilian popular music. In 1973, she formed the short-lived yet influential duo Cilibrinas do Éden with Rita Lee, subsequently joining Lee's band Tutti Frutti and contributing significantly to the golden era of Brazilian rock, including performances on the historic tour captured in the live album Refestança alongside Gilberto Gil. Her distinctive guitar work and vocals have graced albums by luminaries such as Caetano Veloso, Moraes Moreira, Guilherme Arantes, and Erasmo Carlos. She released her critically acclaimed debut solo album, Aroma, in 1980, featuring contributions from notable peers.

In addition to her studio and stage collaborations, Turnbull's legacy endures through her songwriting and cultural contributions, which extend to television soundtracks and musical theater. Her impact on the representation of women in Brazilian rock music remains foundational, inspiring generations of female instrumentalists. Continuing to perform and collaborate well into the 21st century, she remains an enduring symbol of artistic independence and rock-and-roll innovation in Brazil.