Jobim, Getz, Gilberto and the Bossa Nova

Nobody knows who really invented the Bossanova. Does that matter? It gained momentum in Brazil in the late fifties and reached the shores of the US in the movie Black Orpheus with the music of Luiz Bonfa and Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Listen from 2:00

But one of the key factors in its success was the popularity of the song “Girl from Ipanema”. Was it the lyrics (the English translation which differs from the original?), Jobim’s haunting and intricate melody, Stan Getz’ guitar, Joao Gilberto‘s amazing guitar, or Astrud Gilberto’s naive singing and singular beauty?

One thing is for sure. Astrud was in the right place at the right time, and her modest English language skills helped make her career.

Girl from Ipanema in English

And the original Portuguese English combo

And Gal Costa, as well

Thank you for reading my book!

If you like it, you might also want to read:

Girl from Ipanema – The Real Story

Tom Lehrer’s Thoughts on Academia and Life

Read more about me and see ALL my books on Ourboox (I have many)

Or even better, create a book of your own!!!

Here is a tutorial to help you get started on your own voyage as an Ourboox contributor!  And finally, you can always write me at [email protected]