Ritchie

Origin

Beckenham, Reino Unido

Years Active

1972

Genres

pop, rock, synth-pop, new wave

Instruments

vocals, flute, keyboards

Biography

Richard David Court, known professionally as Ritchie, is a British singer and songwriter who has made Brazil his home and primary artistic base since the 1970s. Arriving in São Paulo in 1972 after meeting Brazilian musicians such as Rita Lee and Liminha in London, he quickly integrated into the local music scene. Over the decade, he played in various bands and progressive rock groups like Vímana—alongside future stars like Lulu Santos and Lobão—while also teaching English to prominent Brazilian artists including Gal Costa and Egberto Gismonti.

In 1983, Ritchie achieved monumental success with the release of his debut solo album, Vôo de Coração, and its iconic hit single "Menina Veneno," co-written with lyricist Bernardo Vilhena. The song became a massive cultural phenomenon, breaking records by selling over half a million copies as a single and dominating radio airwaves across the country. His distinct blend of British new wave and synth-pop sensibilities with Brazilian melodic tradition helped define the sound of the 1980s Brazilian pop landscape.

Over a career spanning several decades, Ritchie has continued to release celebrated albums and collaborate with legendary figures in Brazilian popular music. Even after decades of residency, he remains one of the most beloved British-born artists in Brazilian music history, retaining a deep cultural connection to his adopted homeland.

Discography

• Menina Veneno (1983)
• Vôo de Coração (1983)
• A Vida Tem Dessas Coisas (1983)
• ...E a Vida Continua... (1984)
• A Mulher Invisível (1984)
• Só pra o Vento (1984)
• Insônia (1984)
• Circular (1985)
• Telenotícias (1985)
• Loucura & Mágica (1987)
• Pra Ficar Contigo (1988)
• A Sombra da Partida (1988)
• Relógios (1990)
• Sexto Sentido (1990)
• Auto-Fidelidade (2002)
• Outra Vez (Ao Vivo no Estúdio) (2009)
• 60 (2012)
• Ritchie & Black Tie (7) Featuring Tuco Marcondes – Old Friends (The Songs Of Paul Simon) (2015)
• Ritchie & Black Tie (7) Featuring Tuco Marcondes – Wild World (The Songs Of Cat Stevens) (2019)
• Rock Nacional 15+ (2026)