Brazil has lost one of its greatest musical treasures. Hermeto Pascoal, the legendary multi-instrumentalist often celebrated as “The Sorcerer,” has passed away at the age of 89.
Famous worldwide for his groundbreaking collaborations with Miles Davis, Pascoal was admired for his boundless creativity. Whether with traditional instruments or everyday objects, he had a rare gift of turning sound into magic. His wild white hair and flowing beard became as iconic as the music he crafted.
In a statement shared by his family, they wrote with deep emotion: “With serenity and love, we announce that Hermeto Pascoal has passed into the spiritual realm, surrounded by family and fellow musicians. At the very moment of his passing, his Group was on stage — just as he would have wished: making sound and music.”
His loved ones invited fans to honor him in the simplest, most meaningful way — by letting a single note ring out, whether from an instrument, a voice, or even a kettle, and offering it to the universe.
Born in Brazil’s Alagoas state, Pascoal grew into a virtuoso whose improvisation skills astonished audiences everywhere. He stood shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest jazz artists, yet always carried the spirit of Brazil in every performance.
Singer Caetano Veloso, paying tribute despite their past disagreements, wrote: “Today we bid farewell to a genius. Hermeto Pascoal is one of the highest points in the history of music in Brazil.”
A true visionary, Hermeto leaves behind a legacy that will echo far beyond his time on earth.
