Brazilian Jazz Legend Hermeto Pascoal, 'The Sorcerer,' Dies at 89, Leaves Global Musical Legacy

September 14, 2025
Brazilian Jazz Legend Hermeto Pascoal, 'The Sorcerer,' Dies at 89, Leaves Global Musical Legacy
  • Hermeto Pascoal, the legendary Brazilian jazz musician known as 'The Sorcerer' for his extraordinary ability to create music using a wide array of instruments and objects, has passed away at the age of 89.

  • His career began in the 1960s, touring the U.S. with Airto Moreira and collaborating with Miles Davis on the 1971 album 'Live-Evil,' which helped launch his international reputation.

  • Pascoal's innovative spirit and influence earned him global acclaim, with tributes from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and musician Caetano Veloso highlighting his significance in Brazilian music.

  • His last studio album, 'Pra Você, Ilza,' released in 2024, was a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, showcasing his ability to blend folk, experimental sounds, and vocalizations into his music.

  • He was scheduled to perform in London at the Barbican in November, a testament to his ongoing active career and influence, and had upcoming concerts in Portugal, including Lisbon, Espinho, Braga, and Viseu.

  • Throughout his career, Pascoal continued to perform and mentor young musicians into his 80s, with performances sometimes lasting up to five hours that combined virtuosity with theatrical and visual surprises.

  • Starting from a young age, Pascoal learned multiple instruments, including flute, accordion, saxophone, keyboards, and guitar, influenced by his early interest in music and his albinism.

  • He aimed to create music that transcended boundaries and connected all people, earning recognition as a 'magician of sound' and a universal musical prophet.

  • Pascoal influenced contemporary jazz artists like Guillermo Klein, Jason Moran, and Amaro Freitas, who acknowledge his innovative approach rooted in Brazilian tradition.

  • His experimental works, such as the 1977 album 'Slaves Mass,' featured unconventional sounds like squealing piglets and live animals, reflecting his boundary-pushing style.

  • He was scheduled to perform at the Festival Acessa in Belo Horizonte with his band Nave Mãe, and his upcoming concerts in Portugal focus on his latest album, 'Pra Você, Ilza,' a tribute to his late partner.

  • Following his death, tributes have poured in, emphasizing his creativity, influence, and ability to fuse childlike wonder with advanced musical forms, leaving a lasting legacy in jazz and beyond.

Summary based on 27 sources


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