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Benito di Paula, Brazilian samba and piano icon, dies at 84
Benito di Paula, a prominent Brazilian singer, composer, and pianist, died at the age of 84 in São Paulo. He passed away at the Hospital 9 de Julho following complications from prostate cancer, a condition he had been battling for approximately one year.
Born Uday Vellozo in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, di Paula became a major figure in Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) during the 1970s. He was renowned for his unique style, often referred to as ‘samba-joia,’ which integrated traditional samba rhythms with romantic melodies and a percussive approach to the piano. His most iconic hits include ‘Retalhos de Cetim,’ ‘Charlie Brown,’ ‘Mulher Brasileira,’ and ‘Do Jeito Que a Vida Quer.’
His musical legacy includes over 35 albums and more than 50 million records sold. His influence was recently recognized in the 2025 São Paulo Carnival, where the Águia de Ouro samba school dedicated an enredo to his life and work. A public wake is scheduled to be held at the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo, with burial to follow at Cemitério Morumby.
Entities
Benito di Paula · Hospital 9 de Julho · Nova Friburgo · Rodrigo Vellozo · São Paulo · Theatro Municipal de São Paulo · Águia de Ouro
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] He released his first album in 1971. poltronanerd.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] He was born in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro. jornalpequeno.com.br · poltronanerd.com.br · portalleodias.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The cause of death was complications from cancer. jornalpequeno.com.br · poltronanerd.com.br · portalleodias.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Benito di Paula died at age 84. jornalpequeno.com.br · poltronanerd.com.br · portalleodias.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Benito di Paula died in São Paulo. jornalpequeno.com.br · poltronanerd.com.br · portalleodias.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] He popularized the 'samba-joia' style. portalleodias.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] His birth name was Uday Vellozo. jornalpequeno.com.br · poltronanerd.com.br · portalleodias.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] He was treated at Hospital 9 de Julho. jornalpequeno.com.br · poltronanerd.com.br · portalleodias.com