A roundup of iconic bossa nova artists and singers
Bossa nova, one of the quintessential genres of Brazilian music, enjoys enduring popularity not only in its home country but also in the United States, across Europe, and here in Japan.
Even if you’re not particularly knowledgeable about music, you might be able to picture it as the stylish sound you hear playing in cafés.
That said, bossa nova isn’t merely café music—its profound allure was forged by great artists and singers.
For those interested in bossa nova, we’ll introduce a selection of its most representative artists and vocalists all at once.
Be sure to check them out!
Summary of Representative Bossa Nova Artists and Singers (1–10)
Chega de SaudadeJoão Gilberto
João Gilberto, globally renowned as a pioneer of bossa nova.
Hailing from Juazeiro in Brazil’s Bahia state, Gilberto established the bossa nova genre with the 1958 release Chega de Saudade.
He is known for his unique guitar style that blends traditional samba with elements of modern jazz, and for his distinctive vocals that use little vibrato.
In 1963, his collaborative album Getz/Gilberto with Stan Getz became a massive hit, catapulting him to worldwide fame with The Girl from Ipanema.
The album later won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
A solitary genius who shunned public appearances and was famously meticulous about recording.
Highly recommended for those who appreciate the refined sound of bossa nova.
A Stroll Among the StarsLisa Ono
Lisa Ono, a bossa nova singer from Brazil, lived in her home country until the age of 10 and then began her music career in Japan.
She debuted in 1989 with the album “Catupiry,” and with her natural vocals, rhythmic guitar playing, and charming smile, she quickly helped popularize bossa nova throughout Japan.
Her 1991 albums “Nanã” and “Menina” received high acclaim, winning the Japan Gold Disc Award in the Jazz category for two consecutive years.
She has also collaborated with major artists such as Jobim and Donato, and in 2013 she was awarded the Order of Rio Branco by the Brazilian government.
She has demonstrated her presence through a wide range of activities, including performing the ending theme for the film “Saving General Yang.” She is highly recommended for anyone seeking the soothing, sophisticated sounds of bossa nova.
Águas de Março (Waters of March)Eliane Elias
Eliane Elias is a Brazilian jazz pianist, singer, composer, and arranger.
She began playing piano at the age of seven, and by twelve she was talented enough to transcribe solos by jazz musicians.
In 1981, at twenty-one, she moved to the United States and launched her full-scale musical career.
Known for contemporary jazz infused with elements of Brazilian music, she has released numerous acclaimed albums, including Dreamer and Made in Brazil.
A multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, Elias is highly regarded for her musicianship, offering a sublime sound that appeals not only to jazz fans but also to lovers of bossa nova.
A Garota de IpanemaVinicius de Moraes
Vinicius de Moraes, a Brazilian poet and lyricist, is known for his major influence on the birth of bossa nova.
In the 1960s, together with young musicians including Antônio Carlos Jobim, he helped shape this new musical style, blending elements of Brazilian samba with international jazz.
Among their works, The Girl from Ipanema, released in 1963, became a global hit and earned both Moraes and Jobim a Grammy Award.
The song was co-written by Moraes and Jobim at a bar near Rio’s Ipanema Beach, inspired when Moraes was captivated by a beautiful girl walking down the street.
More than forty years after his passing, Moraes’s poetry and music continue to be loved by many.
With refined lyrics and beautiful melodies, his works are recommended not only for bossa nova fans but for anyone who loves music.
Manha de CarnavalBaden Powell
Baden Powell, a true treasure of Brazilian music and a jazz guitarist of worldwide renown.
Born in Varre-Sai, Rio de Janeiro state, Powell tirelessly pursued his craft from the 1950s onward, developing a unique style that fused classical guitar technique with samba and bossa nova rhythms.
In 1959, he teamed up with lyricist Billy Blanco to release “Samba Triste,” which became a major hit and was covered by jazz greats such as Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd.
Later, his collaboration with Vinícius de Moraes yielded landmark albums in Brazilian music, including Os Afro-Sambas.
With his exceptional guitar technique and sophisticated harmonies, Powell continues to exert a profound influence on contemporary musicians.
If you’re a fan of bossa nova or MPB, his masterpieces are essential listening—be sure to check them out!
WaveAntônio Carlos Jobim
Antonio Carlos Jobim, often called the father of bossa nova, was a composer from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who also excelled as a pianist, guitarist, singer, and arranger.
He began performing piano in nightclubs and bars in the 1950s, and released “Chega de Saudade” in collaboration with João Gilberto, sparking the bossa nova movement.
In the 1960s he broke through internationally, with the album Getz/Gilberto with Stan Getz winning a Grammy.
“The Girl from Ipanema” remains a beloved classic today.
Jobim’s music drew inspiration from Brazil’s nature and landscapes, and he was active across a wide range of genres including bossa nova and MPB.
His works offer a refined, comfortable listening experience that can be recommended even to those unfamiliar with Brazilian music.
Aguas de MarçoElis Regina
Often hailed as an icon of Brazilian music, Elis Regina was beloved for her extraordinary expressiveness and passionate voice, earning her nicknames like “Hurricane” and “Little Pepper.” She thrived across a wide range of genres, including bossa nova, MPB, and jazz, and rose to fame in 1965 with the hit Arrastão, composed by Edu Lobo and Vinícius de Moraes, which sold over a million copies.
As a central figure of the Tropicália movement, she broke new ground alongside artists like Gal Costa, and left an indelible mark on Brazilian music history with masterpieces such as Elis & Tom with Antônio Carlos Jobim.
Known not only for her fiery performances but also as an advocate for women’s rights, Elis’s music continues to be cherished around the world.