R.I.P. Gal Costa, legendary Brazilian singer
Legendary Brazilian singer Gal Costa has died, according to a report from The Guardian. She was 77.
A cause of death has not been made public, though Costa recently canceled a concert due to advice from her doctor. She recently underwent surgery to remove a nodule from her nasal cavity. She had planned to return to performing in December.
Gal Costa was one of the most influential artists in Brazilian music in the past century, having been a key figure in the legendary tropicalia movement, which also included artists such as Caetano Veloso and Os Mutantes. She first developed an interest in bossa nova after hearing Joao Gilberto when she was 14, and became close friends with Caetano Veloso at age 18, whom she worked with on her debut album, Domingo, in 1967.
In 1969 Costa released her self-titled solo LP, which is considered one of the most significant records in the tropicalia era, featuring her recording of Veloso’s “Baby” as well as songs written by Jorge Ben and Roberto & Erasmo Carlos. Costa released over 30 albums throughout her career, her most recent being 2021’s Nenhuma dor.
