Brazilian jazz icon Hermeto Pascoal has passed away at the age of 89, his family announced on Saturday.
Pascoal, instantly recognizable by his flowing white beard and hair, was affectionately nicknamed “The Sorcerer” for his unique ability to create music using not only conventional instruments but also everyday objects.
In a statement posted on Instagram, his family said he died “with serenity and love,” surrounded by relatives and fellow musicians. They added that at the moment of his passing, Pascoal’s band was performing on stage “just as he would have wished: making sound and music.”
Born in Alagoas state, northeastern Brazil, Pascoal gained international acclaim through his collaborations with jazz legend Miles Davis, who recorded some of his compositions, helping solidify his reputation as one of the most innovative voices in global jazz.
Renowned for his improvisational brilliance and mastery of multiple instruments, Pascoal left an indelible mark on Brazil’s cultural and musical heritage.
Tributes poured in following the news of his death, with Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso hailing him on Instagram as “one of the highest points in the history of music in Brazil.”
