Cazuza

About

Singer and songwriter widely considered to be one of the greatest exponents of Brazilian rock music. Throughout his career, which lasted just under a decade, he sold over 5 million albums, and released nearly a dozen #1 singles, as well as 18 top 10 singles in his home country of Brazil. Composer Caetano Veloso referred to him as "the greatest Brazilian poet of his generation." 

Before Fame

He briefly attended college to study journalism. After 3 weeks, he dropped out to begin recording music at his father's record company Som Livre. He later worked with the musical group Asdrúbal Trouxe o Trombone until he was offered a position as a vocalist for the rock band Barão Vermelho, which became massively successful throughout the early 1980's.

Trivia

After his death due to septic shock caused by AIDS, the Viva Cazuza Society was launched in his honor. The charity promotes AIDS prevention and offers housing to HIV-positive youth.  

Family Life

His mother was amateur singer Maria Lúcia Araújo. His father, João Araújo, was a legendary music producer and founder of the Rio de Janeiro-based record company Som Livre.

Associated With

He was portrayed by actor Emilio Dantas in the stage musical based on his life, "Cazuza - Pro Dia Nascer Feliz," which toured throughout Brazil from 2014 to 2016.