Paulinho da Costa

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Paulo Roberto Paulinho da Costa

Years Active

1960s

Genres

samba, jazz, pop, latin jazz, instrumental

Instruments

percussion, pandeiro

Biography

Paulinho da Costa is a renowned Brazilian percussionist and session musician born in Rio de Janeiro. Growing up in the neighborhood of Irajá, he began playing the tambourine in his childhood and later joined the youth wing of the Portela samba school's percussion ensemble. Over the years, he developed a deep mastery of over 200 percussion instruments, eventually becoming one of the most heavily recorded and sought-after musicians in the international music scene.

After moving to Los Angeles in the 1970s at the invitation of Sérgio Mendes, Paulinho quickly established himself as an elite studio percussionist, collaborating with jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie and recording on countless iconic projects. His rhythmic expertise graced legendary albums such as Michael Jackson's Thriller, Madonna's True Blue, and Celine Dion's Let's Talk About Love, alongside contributing to major film soundtracks like Saturday Night Fever and Jurassic Park. Recognized by the Down Beat magazine as one of the most talented percussionists of our time, he also earned the prestigious "Most Valuable Player Award" for three consecutive years.

Cementing his legacy as a global musical ambassador, Paulinho da Costa made history by becoming the first native-born Brazilian musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Throughout his illustrious career, he has performed and recorded with a pantheon of global stars while maintaining his deep roots in Brazilian samba and percussion traditions. His artistic journey bridges Brazilian musical heritage with American pop, jazz, and soul, cementing his status as a giant of world music alongside legends like João Gilberto and Milton Nascimento.

Discography

• Agora (1977)
• Tudo Bem! (1978)
• Happy People (1979)
• Sunrise (1984)