Milton Nascimento

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Bituca

Years Active

1962–2022

Genres

MPB, jazz fusion, bossa nova, clube da esquina, folk rock

Instruments

vocals, guitar, piano, accordion

Biography

Born in Rio de Janeiro and raised in Três Pontas, Minas Gerais, Milton Nascimento is one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of Brazilian music. Known by the nickname \"Bituca,\" his career skyrocketed in 1967 when his composition \"Travessia,\" co-written with Fernando Brant, took second place at the International Song Festival. With a vocal range so extraordinary he is often called the \"Voice of God,\" Milton's work blends elements of sacred music, jazz, folk, and traditional Brazilian rhythms.

Nascimento was the central pillar of the Clube da Esquina movement in Belo Horizonte during the 1960s and 70s. Alongside collaborators like Lô Borges, Márcio Borges, Beto Guedes, and Wagner Tiso, he created a sophisticated sound that integrated the influence of the Beatles with regional mineiro sensibilities. His 1972 double album, 'Clube da Esquina', remains a definitive masterpiece of global music, marking a high point in the fusion of progressive rock, bossa nova, and jazz.

Throughout his prolific career, Milton has recorded over 30 albums and won numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best World Music Album. He shared a profound creative bond with Elis Regina, who served as a primary muse and collaborator, recording many of his most famous works. Although he retired from the stage in 2022 with a historic final performance in Belo Horizonte, his legacy continues to shape the identity of MPB and inspire generations of musicians worldwide.

Discography

• Milton Nascimento (1967)
• Courage (1969)
• Milton Nascimento (1969)
• Milton (1970)
• Milton Nascimento & Lô Borges – Clube da Esquina (1972)
• Milton Nascimento & Som Imaginário – Milagre dos Peixes (Gravado Ao Vivo) (1974)
• Wayne Shorter Featuring Milton Nascimento – Native Dancer (1975)
• Minas (1975)
• Geraes (1976)
• Milton (1977)
• Clube da Esquina 2 (1978)
• Journey To Dawn (1979)
• Sentinela (1980)
• Caçador de Mim (1981)
• Ănĭmă (1982)
• Milton Nascimento, Pedro Casaldáliga, Pedro Tierra – Missa dos Quilombos (1982)
• Ao Vivo (1983)
• Coracao de Estudante ao vivo (1983)
• Encontros e Despedidas (1985)
• Mercedes Sosa, León Gieco, Milton Nascimento – Corazón Americano Grabado En Vivo (1985)
• Milton Nascimento & Wayne Shorter – A Barca dos Amantes (1986)
• Yauaretê (1987)
• Sarah Vaughan With Milton Nascimento – Brazilian Romance (1987)
• Yauaretê - Entrevista (1987)
• Miltons (1988)
• Txai (1990)
• O Planeta Blue na Estrada do Sol (1991)
• Tres Pontas (1992)
• Angelus (1993)
• Amigo (1995)
• Club da Esquina 1 (1995)
• Nascimento (1997)
• Tambores de Minas - Ao Vivo (1998)
• Crooner (1999)
• Gilberto Gil & Milton Nascimento – Gil & Milton (2000)
• Pietá (2002)
• Milton Nascimento & Caetano Veloso – O Coronel e o Lobisomem - Uma Comédia Fantástica (2005)
• Belmondo & Milton Nascimento (2008)
• Milton Nascimento And Jobim Trio – Novas Bossas (2008)
• Trio Elf Special Guest Milton Nascimento – Elfland (2010)
• Tudo o que Você Podia Ser (2010)
• Charles Möeller And Claudio Botelho, Milton Nascimento – Nada Será Como Antes (2011)
• Milton Nascimento, Wagner Tiso – Ensaio (2011)
• Anos 2000 (2011)
• Dose Dupla Milton Nascimento (2012)
• Uma Travessia (50 Anos de Carreira Ao Vivo) (2013)
• ...E a Gente Sonhando (2013)
• Milton Nascimento e Dudu Lima Trio – Tamarear (2015)
• Maria Maria (2019)
• Irmão de Fé (2019)
• Último Trem (2020)
• Rio Vermelho (1968/Edit) (2023)
• Outros Cantos (2023)
• Milton Nascimento, Esperanza Spalding – Milton + Esperanza (2024)
• A Barca Do Sol & Milton Nascimento – As Gralhas (2026)
• Tarde (2026)
• Bruno Nunes Participação Especial Milton Nascimento – Montreux Montreux