José Mauro, Brazilian Singer-Songwriter, Dies at 75

José Mauro, an iconic Brazilian singer-songwriter and guitarist, passed away at 75 after a brief illness. Known for his two albums, Obnoxius (1970) and A Viagem Das Horas (1976), both were recorded during a single session at Odeon Studios in Rio de Janeiro. Produced by Roberto Quartin under his Quartin Records label, the albums featured lyrics by Mauro’s close friend Ana Maria Bahiana, orchestrations by Lindolfo Gaya, and performances by renowned musicians like Wilson Das Neves, Dom Salvador, Ivan Conti, and Paulo Moura.

Despite the quality of his work, Mauro’s career as a recording artist was cut short due to limited commercial success, which led to rumors of his disappearance or death during Brazil’s military dictatorship. In reality, Mauro chose to step away from the spotlight, continuing his work in music by writing for theater and serving as a musical director at Tablado Theatre School in Rio. He also taught guitar until his Parkinson’s diagnosis, which eventually forced him to stop playing altogether. Reflecting on his decision, Mauro said, “My body pushed me away from music, health became a stumbling block for me. If I had the strength to carry on with composing, I would have… always focused on achieving a sense of beauty, a sense of wonder.”

After the reissue of Obnoxius in 2016 by Far Out Recordings, it was discovered that Mauro was still alive, living quietly on the outskirts of Rio. Thanks to his nephew, David Butter, the label reconnected with him ahead of the 2021 reissue of A Viagem Das Horas. Mauro participated in interviews with major publications like The Guardian, The New York Times, Bandcamp, and The Wire, using the opportunity to clarify the rumors surrounding his life and celebrate the renewed interest in his music.

The label released this statement: “It’s too tempting to think of what could have been, had José Mauro been able to continue making music. But what he achieved in those few sessions in 1970 stands alongside some of the great works by Brazil’s most celebrated artists. Over half a century since it was created, José Mauro’s music has lost none of its power to totally mesmerize and bewitch.

Far Out would like to pass on our deepest condolences to David, Ana Maria and José’s family at this time.”