Ricardo Barros

Origin

Salvador, BA

Also known as

Rica Barros

Years active

1960

Genres

MPB, Brazilian popular music

Instruments

harpsichord, guitar

Biography

Ricardo Cravo Albin, born in Salvador, Bahia, on December 20, 1940, is a multifaceted figure in Brazilian culture, recognized as a lawyer, journalist, historian, critic, radio host, and musicologist. He is widely regarded as one of the foremost researchers of Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). His seminal work, the "Dicionário Cravo Albin da Música Popular Brasileira," is a monumental reference, containing approximately seven thousand entries and establishing itself as a cornerstone in the field of Brazilian music studies. Albin's academic background includes degrees in Law, Sciences, and Letters from the National Faculty of Law of the University of Brazil, and he also studied Comparative Law at New York University. His dedication to preserving and disseminating Brazilian musical heritage is evident in his extensive career, which includes founding and directing the Museu da Imagem e do Som (MIS) in Rio de Janeiro and producing thousands of radio programs dedicated to MPB.

Albin's contributions extend beyond his lexicographical work. He has been a significant voice in cultural criticism and historical documentation, particularly concerning the vibrant and often complex landscape of Brazilian music. His research has shed light on countless artists, movements, and genres, ensuring their legacy for future generations. The "Dicionário Cravo Albin da Música Popular Brasileira" has been recognized by UNESCO as the largest dictionary dedicated exclusively to the popular music of a single country, a testament to its scope and importance. His work has also been instrumental in documenting the history of Brazilian cinema and radio, further solidifying his role as a cultural archivist.

Throughout his career, Ricardo Cravo Albin has navigated various roles within Brazil's cultural and political spheres, including periods of engagement with censorship during the military regime, where he positioned himself as an "unyielding opponent" of restrictive practices. His critical insights and unwavering commitment to artistic freedom have marked him as a significant intellectual figure. His ongoing work continues to enrich the understanding and appreciation of Brazilian Popular Music, making him an indispensable personality in the nation's cultural history.