Perinho Albuquerque, producer of "Álibi" and a prominent figure in the Tropicália movement, dies at 79.
The music producer was responsible for iconic works of Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) in the 1970s and preferred to live his last years away from the spotlight.
247 - Guitarist and music producer Perinho Albuquerque, a central figure in the history of Brazilian popular music, died on Friday night (15) in Salvador, aged 79.
The information was confirmed by his son, Paulo Emílio, to Folha de S.Paulo. Hospitalized for about a month at the Municipal Hospital of the Bahian capital after suffering a stroke, the musician succumbed to a heart attack.
Albuquerque became particularly renowned in the 1970s, when he was intensely involved with the Tropicalia movement and the aesthetic renewal of Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). He worked with key figures such as Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Luiz Melodia, and Chico Buarque. With Maria Bethânia, he produced the album "Álibi" (1978), which became a landmark in the national recording industry, achieving record sales for a female artist in Brazil.
Legacy in Brazilian music
Perinho Albuquerque's career has established him as one of the most respected producers of his generation. His ability to create innovative arrangements and capture the artistic essence of each performer was crucial to the sound that marked Brazilian music during the years of the military dictatorship. The success of "Álibi" not only propelled Maria Bethânia to another level, but also served as a benchmark of production excellence in the country.
A discreet life in recent years
Although he was a well-known name behind the scenes of the music industry, Albuquerque chose to stay out of the spotlight in recent decades. His own son recalls this choice: “In recent years, he liked to live his life quietly. He stayed at home, enjoyed the sea, and didn't expose himself much. That's how he wanted to live the rest of his life,” Paulo Emílio said by phone.
Family and farewell
Perinho was the brother of bassist Moacyr Albuquerque, who passed away 25 years ago. He leaves behind two sons — Paulo Emílio and Augusto —, his granddaughter Sofia and his partner Silvelane Ferreira. The wake is scheduled for this Sunday (17), but the details have not yet been defined by the family.
