Brazilian Samba Icon Arlindo Cruz Passes Away at 66, Leaving an Unforgettable Legacy.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The world of samba is in mourning following the death of Arlindo Cruz, a towering figure of Brazilian music. The renowned singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist passed away on August 8, 2025, at the age of 66.
Cruz, who had been battling the after-effects of a severe stroke he suffered in 2017, died at Hospital Barra D’or in Rio de Janeiro, where he had been hospitalised since late May for pneumonia. His death marks the end of an era for a genre he helped define and elevate.
Born Arlindo Domingos da Cruz Filho on September 14, 1958, in the Madureira neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro, Arlindo Cruz was immersed in the world of samba from a young age.
He began his musical journey with the cavaquinho, a small four-stringed instrument, and quickly developed a prodigious talent that would make him one of the most important figures of the pagode movement, a subgenre of samba.
His career took flight in the 1980s when he joined the influential group Fundo de Quintal, a band celebrated for its role in modernizing samba.
After 12 years with Fundo de Quintal, Cruz embarked on a highly successful solo career, releasing his first album, Arlindinho, in 1993. Over the next two decades, he cemented his status as a national treasure, with a prolific output of over 450 songs, many of which became hits for him and other celebrated artists like Beth Carvalho, Zeca Pagodinho, and Alcione.
His music was a vibrant tapestry of storytelling, often celebrating the life and culture of Rio’s suburbs, particularly his home neighbourhood of Madureira. He was a five-time Latin Grammy nominee and a recipient of the Brazilian Music Award for Best Samba Singer.
Cruz’s life and career were tragically altered in 2017 when he suffered a haemorrhagic stroke. The health crisis left him with significant physical and neurological damage, and he was largely unable to continue his musical career. Despite the immense challenges, his family, including his wife Babi Cruz and his children Flora and Arlindo Neto, lovingly cared for him, and the public’s support for the “Poet of Samba” never wavered.
His legacy lives on not only through his vast discography but also through his son Arlindinho, who has followed in his father’s footsteps to become a respected samba artist in his own right. The passing of Arlindo Cruz is a profound loss for Brazil, but his melodies and lyrics will continue to echo in the heart of samba for generations to come.
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