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!
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Summary of representative bossa nova artists and singers (11–20)
Summer SambaMarcos Valle
Marcos Valle, a bossa nova singer who represents Brazil, is a musician born in Rio de Janeiro in 1943.
He has traversed a wide range of genres—including bossa nova, MPB, and Brazilian pop—and has built a career spanning more than half a century since his debut in the 1960s.
His second album, O Compositor e o Cantor, released in 1965, is considered a landmark record of its era, and its track “Samba de Verão” (“Summer Samba”) has become a classic covered by numerous artists.
In the 1980s, he produced hits such as “Vontade de Rever Você” and “Estrelar,” gaining popularity not only in Brazil but also in Europe.
With his diverse musicality and innovative approach, Valle has continually opened up new ground.
He is a key figure who helped shape the golden age of bossa nova and remains a rare artist who continues to be active on the front lines today.
In conclusion
As mentioned at the beginning, even if you’ve thought of bossa nova as stylish music you hear in cafés, checking out the artists we introduced this time should make it clear that it’s not just that.
There are many artists in other genres who’ve been influenced by bossa nova as well, so if you’re interested, be sure to dig deeper!