The samba world cries on Friday (8) the death of musician Arlindo Cruz, who had been weakened since 2017, when he suffered a stroke. He was 66 years old and left a legacy of over 700 songs.
An important part of Arlindo’s history goes through the traditional carnival block Cacique de Ramos, where he frequented samba wheels and touched along with other big names in the genre.
On social networks, the Cacique de Ramos issued a note in which he said he registered, with deep respect, ”the departure of Arlindo Cruz: “Its trajectory remains inscribed in the history of samba and in the memory of our institution, as author and interpreter who, with singular talent, integrated essential chapters of our walk.”
Among the longtime companions are Zeca Pagodinho, who also spoke on social networks. “My compadre, my partner and my friend Arlindo Cruz dies today! May God receive you with open arms! It suffered a lot and now deserves rest a little! Go with God, my compadre!” Said Zeca Pagodinho.
Partners since the backyard group, umbrella and Arlindo recorded albums and various compositions together. Sombrinha said it was a privilege the story he built with his friend.
“Today… The samba got into sad. I lost my compadre. My partner. My brother of so many stories, a longtime friendship. He was one of the greatest poets of samba. A genius of Brazilian music. A only instrumentalist who turned notes into emotion. His legacy is immense… and eternal. May God comfort the family, friends, and all who had the privilege of living with you… Eternally, Arlindão. Our case is exception, yes!
The profile of sambista Beth Carvalho on social networks also published a tribute to Arlindo Cruz. “It starts today the hand that shaped to the heart of Brazil. It is the mission of making it good again our singing. But today. Today silence, the perfect sambista is sleeping,” says the post, which was also published in the profile of Luana Carvalho, daughter of Beth.
Sambista of a more recent generationMumuzinho lamented the loss of who considered as a “father in music”. “Today samba cries, and my heart cries together. It’s hard to find words to describe the pain of losing a master, a friend, a father in music and in life like Arlindo Cruz. He was not just a giant artist, he was an entity, a guy who broke barriers and taught me how to sing everything I like, without fear of experimenting,” he said.
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The Carioca Sambério Serrano samba school also played a prominent role in Arlindo’s career. He composed 12 sambas-plot for the parades on the avenue. And was honored by the association with a plot in 2023.
“The Serrano Empire regrets, with immense grief and deep pain, the death of Arlindo Cruz, at age 66, one of the greatest names in the history of samba and illustrious son of our imperial crown,” says the school note.
“Arlindo Cruz is part of the soul of the Serrano Empire. Genial composer, a remarkable voice singer and whole-hearted sambista, he wrote unforgettable pages of our history. Alongside great partners, Arlindo signed masterpieces that echo in imperian hearts to date, as the unforgettable“ The Empire of the Divine ”, 2006. Awards ”, adds the samba school.
The Flamengo Regatta Club, Arlindo Cruz’s heart team, also published a statement in honor of the sambista. “Samba icon, multi-instrumentalist, genius composer and striking voice of Brazilian culture, always bore the name of Flamengo proudly, packing generations with his talent and his passion for the most beloved. Our feelings to family, friends, fans and the entire nation of samba. Your legacy will remain alive in the stands, samba wheels and the heart of the red-black nation,” says NOTE.
Changed article at 6.30 pm for clarification in the stretch that cites the tribute posted on the profile of Beth Carvalho.
