Jorge Ben

Jorge Ben (since 1988 performing as Jorge Ben Jor). Brazilian musician, vocalist and songwriter, born 22 March 1939 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the early 1960s, Ben recorded as a samba artist, gaining international renown as a songwriter when Sérgio Mendes covered his song, "Mas Que Nada". His earliest works include samba music and songs inspired by Bossa Nova, being a predominant style in the 60's. Influenced by American Rock and Funk music, Jorge Ben created in his album Africa Brasil (1976) a new style called Samba-Rock, switching from the heavy use of accoustic guitar to electric guitar from that album on. Currently (2023) still performing in Brazil and rarely in other countries.