Jobim, Antônio Carlos (1927-1994), was a Brazilian composer, pianist, and arranger of popular music. He became known for the song “The Girl from Ipanema,” which was a worldwide hit in 1964. The lyrics for the song were written by the Brazilian poet Vinicius de Moraes. Other songs by Jobim, including “Waters of March” and “Wave,” also achieved worldwide popularity.
Jobim was the leading composer of the style called the bossa nova. This is a Brazilian form of dance music that combines the rhythm of the samba with complex arrangements and harmonies of jazz music. The bossa nova began in Brazil during the 1950’s and spread to the United States in the 1960’s. Jobim’s songs were recorded by many American musicians, including Frank Sinatra and Stan Getz. Jobim also composed music for motion pictures and the stage. Antônio Carlos Brasileiro de Almedia Jobim was born in Rio de Janeiro.
