Paulinho da Costa
A prolific session musician who has played on thousands of albums with artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Quincy Jones.
Paulinho da Costa is a Brazilian percussionist who began his career as a samba musician in Brazil before moving to the United States in the early 1970s to work with Brazilian bandleader Sérgio Mendes. He has performed with many American pop, rock and jazz musicians and participated in thousands of albums. DownBeat magazine called him "one of the most talented percussionists of our time." He played on such albums as Earth, Wind & Fire's I Am, Madonna's True Blue, and movie soundtracks including Dirty Dancing and Purple Rain. He has also performed on Grammy-award winning albums and singles including USA for Africa's "We Are the World" (Album of the Year and Song of the Year), Michael Jackson's Thriller (Album of the Year), and the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (Album of the Year).
- Role
- Percussionist, Session Musician
- Primary Instruments
- Congas, Timbales, Shakers, Percussion
- Status
- Living; Active Session Legend
Lore & Background
Fans often recognize his work not by sight on stage initially, but by ear in the studio recordings where his congas cut through the mix with precision. His collaboration helped shape the sonic identity of albums that defined a generation, turning radio hits into stadium-filling events. He is remembered as the unsung architect of rhythm who ensured every track had an undeniable pulse, fitting seamlessly into Jon Bon Jovi's vision of rock and roll as a global language.
In Their Own Story
The studio lights hummed low over the mixing board in New Jersey, the air thick with the scent of coffee and amplifier heat. Paulinho sat cross-legged on his stool, tapping a rhythm on the timbales that seemed to echo from a distant carnival rather than a rock session. As Jon strummed the opening chord, Paulinho's shakers entered like a whisper, instantly transforming the heavy riff into something soaring and expansive. In that moment, the band didn't just play a song; they built a world where every listener could feel the beat in their chest.
Reader's Guide
His tenure spanned through the massive success of 'New Jersey' and into the 'Keep The Faith' era, where he provided essential percussion on nearly every major track. His role was strictly that of a collaborator rather than an official band member, yet his influence on their signature sound was profound. He specialized in layering congas, tambourines, and shakers to create a rich, polyrhythmic foundation that complemented the band's power chords without overpowering them. Outside of Bon Jovi, da Costa is a titan of the music industry with thousands of credits across pop, jazz, and rock. His solo work explores Brazilian rhythms, but his legacy in this universe remains tied to the anthems he helped craft. He contributed specific sonic textures that allowed the band to evolve from club rockers into global superstars.
Did You Know?
- DownBeat magazine called him 'one of the most talented percussionists of our time.'
- He played on Michael Jackson's Thriller, which won Album of the Year at the Grammys.
- He received the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' Most Valuable Player Award for three consecutive years.
- He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 13, 2026, and is the first Brazilian-born person to receive a star.
- He plays more than 200 instruments professionally.
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