Arlindo Cruz, a great name in samba, dies at 66

Rio de Janeiro singer and composer Arlindo Cruz, one of the biggest names in national samba, died this Friday (8) at the age of 66. He had been hospitalized since March in Rio de Janeiro to treat a resistant bacteria due to pneumonia. The information was confirmed by his family on social media.
Arlindo "was a samba poet, a man of faith, generosity and joy, who dedicated his life to bringing music and love to everyone who crossed his path. His voice, his compositions and his smile will remain alive in the memory and hearts of millions of admirers," said a statement from his family, adding that he "leaves an immense legacy for Brazilian culture and an example of strength, humility and passion for art."
"May your music continue to echo and inspire future generations, as was always your wish," the note concludes.
In 2017, Arlindo suffered a stroke while taking a shower, and he began to suffer from various after-effects. In July, his wife, Babi Cruz, reported that the singer was no longer responding to stimuli, saying he was "increasingly distant."
Raised in the Madureira neighborhood, the birthplace of samba, Arlindo began playing the cavaquinho as a child, influenced by his father and the vibrant local music scene. After forming, he became a prominent figure in the group Fundo de Quintal, innovating samba with richer, more refined sounds.
Author of hundreds of songs, performed by major names in the music scene, such as Zeca Pagodinho and Beth Carvalho, he helped establish pagode as a popular expression. Closely linked to the Império Serrano samba school, he was honored as the theme of the 2023 Carnival parade.
The samba school published a tribute to the samba singer.
"Arlindo Cruz is part of the soul of Império Serrano. A brilliant composer, a singer with a striking voice, and a samba singer with a whole heart, he wrote unforgettable pages of our history," said Império Serrano, before concluding: "Rest in peace, poet. Império Serrano honors you today and always. Your name, your music, and your story will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything, Arlindo Cruz."
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