The Jordans

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Three Players

Genres

instrumental rock, rock and roll, jovem guarda

Instruments

guitar, bass, drums, saxophone

Biography

The Jordans were a pioneering Brazilian instrumental rock band formed in January 1958 in the Mooca neighborhood of São Paulo. Initially starting under the name Three Players with founding members Aladdin (Romeu Mantovani Sobrinho), Sival (Olímpio Sinval Drago), and a drummer named Tiguês, the group eventually adopted the name The Jordans—inspired by Elvis Presley's backing group, The Jordanaires. Their classic lineup featured Aladdin, Sival, Foguinho, bassist Tony, saxophonist Irupê, and guitarist Mingo, who later departed to form The Clevers, the precursor to Os Incríveis.

The band achieved massive success in the early 1960s, releasing their debut single "Bouddha" in 1961 and their hit LP "Suspense" later that year. Their track "Blue Star" dominated the charts for over six months, propelling them into prominent television and radio programs such as Jovem Guarda, where they frequently served as a backing band for Roberto Carlos. Their international profile grew during a 1967 European tour, where they famously crossed paths with the Beatles and reportedly taught Ringo Starr how to play bossa nova rhythms on the drums.

Although the group disbanded in 1972 as members pursued non-musical paths, they reunited two decades later for the compilation "35 Anos de Rock Instrumental" and have continued to perform sporadically at special events. Sharing stages with contemporaries like Roberto Carlos and cementing their legacy alongside groups such as Os Incríveis, The Jordans remain one of the most historically significant rock acts in Brazil.