Legendary Samba Artist Arlindo Cruz Passes Away at 66 in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Renowned samba singer and composer Arlindo Cruz died Friday, August 8, at the age of 66, according to his wife Babi Cruz. He passed away at the Barra D’Or hospital in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Cruz suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke in March 2017 after feeling unwell at home. He spent nearly a year and a half hospitalized and had been struggling with health issues, leading to multiple hospitalizations since then. Due to his condition, the artist had not performed publicly for some time.

His family released a statement expressing their grief. “With immense sorrow, the family and team of Arlindo Cruz announce his passing. More than an artist, Arlindo was a poet of samba, a man of faith, generosity, and joy who dedicated his life to bringing music and love to everyone he met. His voice, songs, and smile will remain alive in the memories and hearts of millions of admirers,” the statement read.

Born on September 14, 1958, in Rio de Janeiro, Cruz was one of Brazil’s most famous samba singers. Fans and friends nicknamed him “the perfect sambista,” inspired by one of his songs co-written with Nei Lopes. His talents extended beyond singing; he was also known for playing the cavaquinho and banjo.

He received his first cavaquinho at the age of 7 and began learning music “by ear” by age 12, taking guitar lessons alongside his brother, Acyr Marques. After studying music theory and classical guitar, he became a professional musician, often performing at samba circles alongside talents like Candeia, who he regarded as a musical mentor.

He began recording in studio with Candeia’s support, releasing his first LP, “Roda de Samba,” which was later reissued on CD. At 15, he moved to Barbacena, Minas Gerais, where he studied at the preparatory school for Air Cadets and won music festivals in the region. Upon returning to Rio, he frequented the famous Cacique de Ramos samba circle, collaborating with legends like Jorge Aragão, Beth Carvalho, and Zeca Pagodinho.

As a prolific songwriter, Cruz had 12 songs recorded by other artists early in his career, including hits for Alcione and Beth Carvalho. He rose to fame as a performer after replacing Jorge Aragão in the group Fundo de Quintal, where he recorded several popular tracks over 12 years, including “Seja Sambista Também” and “O Mapa da Mina.”

In his solo career, Cruz released numerous CDs and DVDs and collaborated with stars like Caetano Veloso and Alcione. Notable releases include the 2009 live DVD “Arlindo Cruz MTV Ao Vivo” and the albums “Batuques e Romances” (2011) and “Batuques do Meu Lugar” (2012).

Cruz was also active in the samba-enredo competitions, winning acclaimed titles with his beloved Império Serrano school in 1996, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, and 2007. He was celebrated in 2023 when he paraded with his school, which honored him in a special float, titled “O show tem que continuar.”