Farewell, Benito di Paula: the artist who made Brazil sing and be moved dies at the age of 84
His piano had balance, his voice had personality and his songs spoke directly to the heart. Remember the trajectory of Benito di Paula, one of the great names of Brazilian popular music.
Brazilian music says goodbye to a voice that accompanied love stories, family gatherings and so many fondly kept memories. Singer, songwriter and pianist Benito di Paula died on Sunday, October 18, at the age of 84, in São Paulo.
According to information confirmed by the artist's press office to CNN Brasil, he was hospitalized at Hospital 9 de Julho and had been treating prostate cancer for approximately a year. CNN Brasil
More than a sequence of hits, Benito built a relationship of affection with the public. His way of singing and conducting the piano gave the compositions their own signature: the first chords were enough to recognize who was playing.
From night performances to national recognition
Born in Nova Friburgo, in the Mountain Region of Rio de Janeiro, on November 28, 1941, Benito's birth name was Uday Vellozo. Before conquering the country, he worked as a singer in nightclubs and dances, following the path of night performances until he achieved national projection.
His first album was released in 1971. Two years later, "Retalhos de Satim" would represent a decisive turning point in his career. Brasil de Fato
"Retalhos de Satim": a song that remained
There are songs that were successful at a certain time. Others continued to find listeners long after their release. "Retalhos de Satim" belongs to this second group.
Composed by Benito, the song gained prominence in 1973, boosted his career and consolidated itself as a classic of Brazilian popular music, as recalled by Radio MEC in a program dedicated to the history of composition. radiomec.ebc.com.br
The strength of music is also in the encounter between narrative, feeling and interpretation. It is this type of combination that transforms a composition into a personal memory for those who listen to it.
Samba found a signature on the piano
Benito made the piano a central part of his identity. His way of playing explored rhythm and brought the instrument closer to the pulse of percussion.
The style associated with the so-called "samba-joia" brought together samba, romanticism and an expressive interpretation. His image also became recognizable: long hair, accessories and costumes that helped mark his presence on stage and television programs. Brasil de Fato
A repertoire to revisit
In addition to "Retalhos de Satim", her trajectory includes songs such as "Charlie Brown", "Mulher Brasileira" and "Do Jeito Que a Vida Quer". In 2021, she released "O Infalível Zen", in partnership with her son, musician Rodrigo Vellozo, resuming her work with compositions. CNN Brasil
The recognition also reached Carnival. In 2025, Benito was honored by the Águia de Ouro samba school in São Paulo and participated in the parade on a float. Brasil de Fato
The farewell and tributes
The artist's death provoked expressions of affection among colleagues. Bell Marques recalled the importance of Benito's songs in his own life and paid tribute to his talent as a composer and performer. Other artists also spoke out on social media. In the sources consulted for this report, details about the wake and burial had not yet been disclosed. Gshow
For those who grew up listening to his songs, the farewell carries a familiar feeling: the longing for an era, a person or a moment that music helps to bring back.
Benito di Paula leaves a work that deserves to continue to be heard, presented to the younger ones and celebrated by those who recognize, in his melodies, a piece of their own history.