Luiz Carlini

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Luiz Sérgio Carlini, Carlini, Luis Carlini

Years Active

1973–2026

Genres

rock, pop rock, hard rock

Instruments

guitar

Biography

Luiz Sérgio Carlini, widely known as Luiz Carlini, was a Brazilian guitarist, composer, and musical director, considered one of the greatest exponents of the guitar in national rock. Born in São Paulo on August 31, 1952, Carlini began his musical journey as a roadie for the iconic band Os Mutantes. This early experience led him to found his own band, Lisergia, and later Tutti Frutti in 1973, a group that became the instrumental base for Rita Lee's rock phase.

His collaboration with Rita Lee was fundamental to the success of albums like "Fruto Proibido" (1975) and "Entradas e Bandeiras" (1976), where Carlini not only contributed memorable solos, such as the one in the song "Ovelha Negra", but also acted as a composer on tracks like "Agora Só Falta Você" and "Que Loucura". Throughout his career, which extended until his death on May 7, 2026, Carlini participated in over 400 recordings, collaborating with a wide range of Brazilian rock artists, including Barão Vermelho, Titãs, Erasmo Carlos, Lobão, and Guilherme Arantes.

Recognized for his refined technique and melodic sensibility, Luiz Carlini was included by Rolling Stone Brasil magazine in 2012 on the list of the 30 greatest guitar icons in the country. His influence extended across several generations, and he remained active in the music scene, participating in tours and recordings until his final years, cementing his legacy as one of the architects of the Brazilian rock sound.