Robson Jorge

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1971–1992

Genres

mpb, soul, funk, disco, instrumental music

Instruments

guitar, keyboards, piano, synthesizer, bass guitar

Biography

Robson Jorge da Costa Britto was a pioneering Brazilian musician, singer, producer, composer, arranger, keyboardist, and guitarist who left an indelible mark on the nation's musical landscape during the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he displayed prodigious musical talent from early childhood, learning to play by ear and mastering various instruments including the guitar, piano, bass, and synthesizers. Throughout his career, he became renowned for his legendary partnership with arranger and keyboardist Lincoln Olivetti, with whom he shaped the sound of Brazilian soul, funk, boogie, and disco.

In addition to his solo work and instrumental releases, Robson Jorge was a prolific studio musician and arranger who collaborated with an elite roster of Brazilian popular music icons such as Tim Maia, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Rita Lee, Roberto Carlos, and Jorge Ben Jor. He also contributed extensively to television soap opera soundtracks and film scores, defining the urban sonic aesthetic of Brazil in the late 20th century. Despite facing harsh criticisms from purists during the height of their success for their modern, synthesizer-heavy production style, Jorge and Olivetti's innovative body of work remains internationally celebrated and highly influential among crate diggers and contemporary producers.