Gilberto Gil

Lore & Background

Gilberto Gil was born in Salvador and spent much of his childhood in Ituaçu, a small town in the sertão of Bahia. His father was a doctor and his mother an elementary school teacher. He began playing music as a child, first on drums and trumpet, then accordion, and later guitar, inspired by Brazilian musicians Luiz Gonzaga, Dorival Caymmi, and João Gilberto. He joined his first band, Os Desafinados, in high school.

In 1963, Gil met Caetano Veloso at the Universidade Federal da Bahia, beginning a long collaboration. They were central to the tropicália movement, which blended Brazilian styles with rock and roll. In December 1968, after performing at the Sucata club, Gil and Veloso were arrested by the Brazilian military regime. They were held for about two months, released in February 1969, and then exiled to London in July 1969. Gil returned to Bahia in 1972 and continued his musical career, also working as an environmental advocate.

Gil's album Quanta Live won Best World Album at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards, and Eletracústico won Best Contemporary World Music Album at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. He served as Brazil's Minister of Culture from 2003 to 2008.

Reader's Guide

Gilberto Gil's significance lies in his dual impact as a musical innovator and political activist. As a key figure in the tropicália movement, he helped transform Brazilian popular music by fusing traditional Brazilian genres like samba and forró with rock, reggae, and African music. His work challenged the cultural and political norms of Brazil's military dictatorship, leading to his imprisonment and exile. After returning to Brazil, Gil continued to produce influential music and became an environmental advocate. His later role as Minister of Culture under President Lula allowed him to shape national cultural policy. Gil's legacy is marked by his Grammy-winning albums and his enduring influence on Brazilian music and social activism.

Did You Know?

• Gilberto Gil was arrested by the Brazilian military regime in December 1968 and held for about two months before being released and then exiled to London in July 1969.
• He won Best World Album at the 41st Grammy Awards for Quanta Live and Best Contemporary World Music Album at the 48th Grammy Awards for Eletracústico.
• Gil began playing music at age two or two and a half, telling his mother he would become a musician or president.
• He performed at the 1971 Glastonbury Free Festival while living in London.