Brazilian jazz legend Hermeto Pascoal has died at the age of 89, his family announced on Saturday.
Nicknamed “The Sorcerer” for his extraordinary ability to create music using a wide array of instruments and everyday objects, Pascoal was instantly recognizable for his long white beard and hair.
In an Instagram statement, his family said he passed “with serenity and love,” surrounded by relatives and fellow musicians. They noted that at the time of his death, Pascoal’s band was performing on stage, “just as he would have wished: making sound and music.”
Born in Alagoas state, northeastern Brazil, Pascoal rose to global fame through collaborations with jazz great Miles Davis, who recorded some of his compositions. These partnerships helped cement Pascoal’s reputation as one of the most inventive and innovative figures in jazz.
Renowned as a multi-instrumentalist and improvisational virtuoso, Pascoal’s influence extended far beyond Brazil, inspiring generations of musicians worldwide.
Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso paid tribute on Instagram, calling Pascoal “one of the highest points in the history of music in Brazil.”
His passing marks the end of an era for jazz and Brazilian music, leaving a legacy of creativity, experimentation, and musical brilliance.
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