The summer of 1958 was the season of bossa nova. Fifty years ago, a movement of melody, harmony, lyrics, and rhythm sent a fresh wave of sound throughout Brazil. In the years to follow, a small group of idealistic musicians — including Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, Joao Gilberto, and a handful of others — would write some of the most enduring melodies in music history. Here are five songs from the magical era when the gentle sound of Brazil hypnotized the world.
1 of
— The Legendary Joao Gilberto: The Original Bossa Nova Recordings (1958 –1961)
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2 of
— Getz/Gilberto
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3 of
— Cover for Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
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4 of
— Swing Low, Sweet Cadillac by Dizzy Gillespie
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5 of
— Antonio Carlos Jobim & Elis Regina
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Copyright 2008 WBGO