NPR

The Brazilian Guitarist Beloved By Musicians Around The World

As a composer, Guinga's written hits for Brazilian superstars like Elis Regina. As a musician he's set the bar for classical guitarists far beyond his native country.
The Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes says that Guinga's melodies are incredible. "They're unique; they're different," he says.

Guitarist and composer Guinga is a popular songwriter in Brazil: his songs have been recorded by the likes of superstar Elis Regina and he's a favorite of musicians around the world like Michel Legrand and Sergio Mendes. But Guinga is less well-known in the U.S. (he rarely comes here to perform), and considering his successful five-decade career, he's an unusually modest musician.

"I met so many virtuoso players in Brazil and had

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