1980

Vinicius de Moraes was born in Rio de Janeiro, into a family that loved both books and music, and went on to pursue the two vocations. While in college, he took up composing with two friends, Paulo and Haroldo Tapajós, and the three began to play at parties. During the 30’s, he graduated in Law and penned the lyrics to ten music pieces that were subsequently recorded, nine of which in collaboration with the Tapajós brothers. In 1933 he published his first book of poems, "O Caminho para a Distância". A close friend of Oswald de Andrade, Manuel Bandeira and Mário de Andrade, he published other books of poems during that decade. He also devoted some time to studying English at the Oxford University, and upon his return to Brazil, in 1941, Vinicius started working as a film critic for the "A Manhã" newspaper. Two years later, he was accepted by Itamaraty and went on to pursue a career in the diplomatic service. As a diplomat, he lived in the United States, France and Uruguay.

In 1954 he took his first steps as a playwright, writing "Orfeu da Conceição", later to emerge as the film "Orfeu do Carnaval", by the French director, Marcel Camus.

His career as a musician took off in the 50’s and 60’s, when he met several of his partners, such as Tom Jobim, Antônio Maria, Edu Lobo, Carlos Lyra and Baden Powell. In 1958, Elizeth Cardoso released "Canção do Amor Demais", containing various works produced by Tom/ Vinicius: "Luciana", "Estrada Branca" and "Chega de Saudade". The first big event at which he appeared alongside Tom Jobim, in 1962, heralded the beginning of a permanent connection with the stage and popular music. His link with bossa nova was the most important factor. He went on to write the lyrics for some of the movement’s most important songs, such as "Garota de Ipanema", "Chega de Saudade", "Eu Sei que Vou Te Amar", "Amor em Paz", "Insensatez", "Se Todos Fosse Iguais a Você" (all of them with Tom Jobim), "Minha Namorada", "Coisa Mais Linda" and "Você e Eu" (with Carlos Lyra).

1962 was also the year when he met Baden Powell, with whom he would go on to compose several thematic pieces far removed from bossa nova, including afro-sambas, like ("Canto de Ossanha", "Canto de Xangô", "Samba de Oxóssi") and other sambas, such as ("Samba em Prelúdio", "Samba da Bênção", "Formosa", "Apelo", "Berimbau").

In 1965, he launched the Quarteto em Cy. In the same year, "Arrastão", which he wrote with Edu Lobo, was placed first in one of the many music festivals of that period, as interpreted by elis Regina. He also took second place with "Valsa do Amor que Não Vem", penned in partnership with Baden Powell and interpreted by Elizeth Cardoso.

As censorship laws were reinforced around 1968, Vinicius was forced to retire from the diplomatic service. From that time on, he decided to be only na artist. He played shows in Portugal, Argentina and Uruguay, accompanied by Nara Leão, Maria Creuza, Toquinho, Oscar Castro Neves, Quarteto em Cy, Baden Powell and Chico Buarque.

Along the 70’s, he teamed up with Toquinho to produce works such as: "Tarde em Itapuã", "Regra Três", "Maria Vai com as Outras" and "A Tonga da Mironga do Kabuletê.

Many of his compositions or interpretations were released in the 70’s. One of the most important was "Tom, Vinicius, Toquinho e Miúcha", recorded live in Rio.

In spite of his hits, Vinicius never abandoned poetry, and did in fact go on to record several albums reading his own poetry.

Following his death in 1980, several shows were put up in his memory over the years, in addition to biographies and compilations of his works.