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The musician Hermeto Pascoal, icon of Brazilian music, died at the age of 89, announced the artist’s family in a statement released on his social networks. He was hospitalized at the Samaritan Hospital in Rio de Janeiro. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Hermeto Pascoal, icon of Brazilian music, dies at the age of 89. Photo: Reproduction
“With serenity and love, we communicate that Hermeto Pascoal made his passage to the spiritual plane, surrounded by the family and companions of music,” the family said. “At the very moment of the passage, his group was on stage, as he would like: doing sound and music. As he always taught us, let us not let the sadness take over: Listen to the wind, the corner of birds, the glass of water, the waterfall, the universal music, the universal music… who wants to honor him, let a note to the instrument, the killer, in the kettle.
Hermeto was born on June 22, 1936 in Olho D’Água, a village near the municipality of Lagoa Grande, in the region of Arapiraca (AL).
One of the most innovative and revered names of Brazilian music was a composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist and improviser. He transcended stylistic and cultural boundaries, creating a work that is both scholarly and popular, experimental and deeply rooted in Brazilian traditions.
The artist leaves six children, 13 grandchildren and ten great -grandchildren. Its legacy remains one of the richest and most original in the history of Brazilian music.
With a career began at 14, Alagoas has already flirted with jazz, forró, samba and frevo – even referring to their style as that “universal music” – and even collects compliments, names like Elis Regina and Miles Davis.
“My mind doesn’t stop. It arrives and runs like our planet. That’s why I call universal music music. No decorating things. Just create at the time, like nature itself. I really surprise myself,” he said in 2023.
The musician continued to surprise and delight the audience with his creativity. In 2024, he released the album “Pra Você, Ilza”, a tribute to his deceased wife, who earned him the Latin Grammy for Best Latin/Jazz jazz album.
In addition, his first authorized biography was published, “Breaks Everything – Hermeto Pascoal Free Art”, written by Vitor Nuzzi, who documents his musical and personal trajectory.
In September 2023, Hermeto performed at The Town festival in Sao Paulo. Despite the torrential rain, it enchanted the audience with its unique performance. He and his band – formed by André Marques (piano), Fabio Pascoal (percussion), Ajurinã Zwarg (drums), Itiberê Zwarg (bass and tuba) and Jota P. (Saxofones and flutes) – created an intimate and engaging atmosphere.
During the show, Hermeto alternated between the keyboard and unusual instruments, such as an adapted kettle and a rubber chicken, demonstrating his ability to turn everyday objects into sound sources. The show at the Paulistano Festival reaffirmed the status of living legend of Brazilian music.
