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About Jorge Ben Jor
Jorge Ben, originally Jorge Duílio Lima Menezes, was born in Rio de Janeiro and started his musical journey as a teenager, playing the pandeiro and singing in church choirs. His unique blend of musical styles initially faced challenges in the Brazilian music scene but eventually gained recognition. His hit song “Mas, que Nada!” became famous both in Brazil and internationally.
He released several albums and faced creative pressures from his record label before leaving in 1965. In the late 1960s and 1970s, he experimented with different musical styles and achieved commercial success. In 1989, he changed his name to Jorge Ben Jor. He continued to make music, received awards, and contributed to charitable projects. Additionally, Jorge Ben is known for his passion for football, particularly for the Flamengo club.
During his 30-year career, he became the forefront of Brazilian music. He was a pioneer of “world music” with his distinctive Afro-groove and was rediscovered by Brazil’s younger generation in the 1980s. With songs included on David Byrne’s Beleza Tropical album in the 1990s, he attained worldwide renown.
Everyone enjoys his own brand of swinging, groovy sambas, African rhythms, and rock-infused sounds. Jorge Ben Jor has released 28 albums and has composed more than 700 songs, including the popular “Mas que nada,” which has been covered by stars including Ella Fitzgerald, Julio Iglesias, and Sergio Mendes. In 1998, he made his Hollywood Bowl debut.
He performed at Live Earth in Rio de Janeiro in 2007.
