Music Cruz: the generosity and legacy of the sambista who conquered Brazil

Arlindo Cruzone of the biggest names in Brazilian samba, was widely recognized for its musical genius, but also for its generosity. According to the journalist Marcos SallesAuthor of Biography The Perfect Sambista, Arlindo I impressed friends not only for talent, but for the willingness to always share their creations and knowledge with their music and friends partners.

“Many times he didn’t even need the partnership, he could solve everything alone, but he made a question of his partner. He was faithful to his religion [o candomblé]but embracing them all without giving room for intolerance. So is Arlindo Cruz, a true master of music and has been missing. Of his songs, his laughs, his piles always mocking someone, his serene leadership, “ Marcos Salles.

The generosity of Arlindo He was also reflected in his attitude of embracing everyone without prejudice, showing deep respect for different beliefs and religions. Although it was a devoted to candomblé, Arlindo Cruz was known for his posture of Inclusion and respect for religious diversity. His leadership and his ability to welcome humility marked the lives of all who went through his trajectory.

THE biography written by Marcos Salleslaunched in 2023, not only highlights the singer’s brilliant career, but also reveals aspects of his personal life and his fight against personal challenges, including drug addiction, which marked his life in the 1990s.

The sambista suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in March 2017 after sick at home. He was almost a year and a half hospitalized and since then deals with the sequelae. Away from the stage, Arlindo Cruz It was also recently hospitalized to treat pneumonia.

Trajectory of one of the biggest names in samba

Arlindo Domingos da Cruz Filho Born on September 14, 1958, in the suburb of Rio de Janeiro. Created in a family with musical aspiration, he won his first ukulele in early childhood and already in his youth began to participate in the samba wheels. It was at this time that he started acting with Lampwith whom he made the first studio recordings.

At 15, the artist went to Barbacena (MG) for a period of studies in the Air Force. Upon returning to Rio de Janeiro, Arlindo Cruz started to attend the Cacique de Ramosone of the main samba wheels in the country, where they met names likeJorge Aragon, Almir Guineto and Zeca Pagodinho.

In 1981, he began his professional career and soon stood out as a composer: his songs were recorded by big names like Beth Carvalho, Alione andMaria Rita. With the exit of Jorge Aragon of Backyard, Arlindo Cruz He was invited to participate in the group, where he remained until 1993. Throughout these 12 years, the musician participated in nine albums and produced successes as “Be sambista too” and “Just to contradict”.

In 1993, Arlindo left the Backyard to pursue a solo career and released his first album, Arlindinho. Success continued in the following years. In partnership with Pawhe launched Music (1996), which sold about 60,000 copies. The DVD MTV Live: Arlindo Cruz It’s another highlight.

Arlindo He composed more than 500 songs, recorded by various artists, and is recognized as one of the most influential instrumentalists of samba. His work also includes dozens of compositions for samba schools, two nominations in the Brazilian Music Award (which won in 2015) and five nominations to Latin Grammy.

Arlindo Cruz’s last artistic project was 2 Arlindosreleased with the son Arlindinho In 2017, just before the stroke that interrupted his career.

Read also: Dies Arlindo Cruz, singer and composer, at 66