Marisa Monte

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Marisa de Azevedo Monte

Years Active

1985

Genres

MPB, pop, samba, samba-canção, world music

Instruments

vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, drums

Biography

Marisa Monte is a preeminent figure in contemporary Brazilian music, renowned for her versatile vocal range and her ability to synthesize MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) with pop, samba, and avant-garde influences. Born in Rio de Janeiro, she had an early connection to the Portela samba school through her father, which deeply influenced her later dedication to preserving the genre's history. After studying opera in Italy, she returned to Brazil and achieved immediate fame with her 1989 debut album MM, featuring the hit "Bem Que Se Quis," a collaboration with producer Nelson Motta.

Throughout her career, Monte has been a pivotal collaborator within the Brazilian scene. She formed the hugely successful trio Tribalistas with Arnaldo Antunes and Carlinhos Brown, and her solo studio albums like Verde, Anil, Amarelo, Cor-de-Rosa e Carvão are considered masterpieces of 1990s Brazilian pop. She is also a pioneer in the Brazilian music industry for her independence, managing her own career through her label, Phonomotor Records, and producing albums for legendary groups such as the Velha Guarda da Portela.

Her legacy is cemented by numerous accolades, including five Latin Grammys and her recognition as one of the greatest voices in the history of Brazilian music by publications like Rolling Stone. Beyond her solo output, she has recorded with a wide array of artists ranging from Caetano Veloso to the singer Silva. In 2024, she was honored with a Doctor Honoris Causa degree from the University of São Paulo, reflecting her profound impact on the nation's culture and arts.

Discography

• MM (1988)
• Chocolate (1989)
• Marisa Monte MM (Ao Vivo) (1989)
• Mais (1991)
• Eu Sei (Na Mira) (1991)
• Marisa! (1992)
• Verde Anil Amarelo Cor de Rosa e Carvão (1994)
• Songs From Rose And Charcoal (1994)
• De Mais Ninguém / Segue o Seco / Diariamente (1995)
• Barulhinho Bom (Uma Viagem Musical) (1996)
• Memórias, Crônicas e Declarações de Amor (2000)
• Infinito Particular (2006)
• Universo ao Meu Redor (2006)
• Vilarejo - O Bonde Do Dom (2006)
• Infinito ao Meu Redor (2008)
• Infinito ao Meu Redor (CD Entrevista) (2008)
• O que Você Quer Saber de Verdade (2011)
• Verdade, uma Ilusão (Tour 2012/2013) (2014)
• Hotel Tapes (1996) - Ao Vivo (2020)
• Memórias (2001) - Ao Vivo (2020)
• Portas (2021)
• Portas (Ao Vivo) (2023)
• Portas Raras (Ao Vivo) (2023)