Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos Braga (born April 19, 1941 in Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil) is one of the most popular MPB singers in history, and especially popular with the Brazillian lower class consisting of mostly illiterate

Roberto Carlos Braga (born April 19, 1941 in Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil) is one of the most popular MPB singers in history, and especially popular with the Brazillian lower class consisting of mostly illiterate and uneducated people. Most of his songs are written in partnership with his friend, the singer and songwriter Erasmo Carlos. At age six, Roberto Carlos was involved in a freak train accident, the result being the amputation of part of his left leg, and the subsequent use of a prothesis right below his knee. Infuenced by his idol, Elvis Presley and the 1950s rock revolution, he rose to stardom as the main figure of the 60s musical movement known as Jovem Guarda (young guard, as in vanguard), which was the first manifestation of the Brazilian pop rock movement. Since then, he has been called "O Rei" (the King), a la Elvis and Pele.

During the 1960s, he also starred in a few motion pictures directed by Roberto Farias, may of them heavily inspired by the Beatles movies. Later, he moved towards a more serious, adult contemporary approach to is singing, whilst consistently continuing to score hits throughout the 70s and 80s,in his country, throughout Latin America, and Italy. He remained active through the 90s and beyond, focusing on romantic songs. Every year, Roberto Carlos hosts a holiday special singing his greatest hits along with special guests, which has become a tradition in Brazilian television.