Ary Barroso (1903–1964) was the most influential pre-bossa nova composer in Brazil. His songs were recorded by a lengthy list of artists including Carmen Miranda and João Gilberto. His 1939 composition Aquarela do Brasil, better known as Brazil, was featured in the 1942 Disney film Saludos Amigos, and has gone on to become one of the 20 most recorded songs of all time. Barroso’s soundtrack for the movie Brazil (also known as Stars and Guitars) was nominated for an Oscar in 1945. In 1955, Barroso received the National Order of Merit, the greatest honour bestowed by the Brazilian government.
Music was only one outlet for Barroso’s creativity. A lawyer by training, he balanced his musical career with work as a radio announcer, writer, humourist, reporter, producer, emcee, interviewer and football commentator.