Laurindo Almeida, a Brazilian guitarist and composer of exceptional talent, was born on September 2, 1917, and passed away on July 26, 1995. Throughout his illustrious career, spanning over five decades, Almeida made a profound impact on the world of classical, jazz, and Latin music. He, along with Bud Shank, was a pioneer in the creation of the genre-defining bossa nova.
As a guitarist, Almeida was a trailblazer, earning Grammy Awards for both classical and jazz performances, making him the first guitarist to achieve this remarkable feat. His extensive discography boasts over a hundred recordings, showcasing his versatility and mastery of various styles.
Beyond his impressive recording career, Almeida remained committed to his work in film studios, providing his guitar, lute, mandolin, and other instrumental skills for an astonishing 800 motion picture and television soundtracks. His cinematic credits include iconic films such as The High Chaparral, The Gift, and Good-bye, My Lady, as well as notable television shows like Peter Gunn and The Twilight Zone.
In addition to his work as a performer, Almeida was a prolific composer, penning complete film scores for ten motion pictures and contributing to the scores of hundreds more. His credits include the iconic 1957 film Day of the Dead, directed by the renowned Charles and Ray Eames, as well as Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven, released in 1992. Almeida's final film work was featured in The Cat in the Hat, where his whistling rendition of "The Girl from Ipanema" is briefly heard.
Some sources claim that Almeida won at least one Academy Award for his film composition, although it is important to note that while he was involved in films that received nominations, he did not ultimately receive an Oscar for his work.
