Dorival Caymmi

Dorival Caymmi, born on April 30, 1914, was a multifaceted Brazilian artist whose career spanned over seventy years, beginning in 1933. Renowned as a singer, songwriter, actor, and painter, he played a pivotal role in the emergence of Brazil's bossa nova movement. His samba compositions, including classics like 'Samba da Minha Terra', 'Doralice', and 'Saudade da Bahia', have become essential pieces of música popular brasileira (MPB).

Equally significant are his heartfelt ballads that celebrate the lives of fishermen and women from Bahia, with notable works such as 'Promessa de Pescador', 'O Que É Que a Baiana Tem?', and 'Milagre'. Throughout his lifetime, Caymmi composed approximately one hundred songs, many of which are now regarded as timeless Brazilian classics. His influence extended beyond Brazil, with both Brazilian and international musicians covering his works.

Critically acclaimed, Ben Ratliff of The New York Times remarked that Caymmi was 'perhaps second only to Antônio Carlos Jobim in establishing a songbook of the twentieth century's Brazilian identity.' His music not only resonated with the people of Brazil but also shaped the country's image abroad, reflecting the rich culture and spirit of Bahia.

In his personal life, Caymmi was married to fellow Brazilian singer Stella Maris for sixty-eight years. Their children, Dori, Danilo, and Nana, followed in their parents' footsteps, becoming prominent musicians themselves, each debuting professionally alongside Caymmi. In 2014, the family's musical legacy continued with the emergence of his granddaughter, Alice, into the music scene.