Biography
Who is Milton Nascimento?
Early life and real name
Milton Nascimento Silva Campos do Nascimento was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 26, 1942. His biological mother worked as a maid in a boarding house and passed away from tuberculosis when he was two years old. Following her death, his maternal grandmother cared for him before he was adopted by Josino Brito Campos and Lilia Silva Campos. His adoptive father worked as a bank employee and teacher, while his adoptive mother was a music teacher and choir singer. The family later moved to Tres Pontas in the state of Minas Gerais.
As a child, Milton received the nickname Bituca because he would pout when upset. His mother introduced him to music early in life, giving him an accordion when he was four years old. By age thirteen, he was singing as a crooner in a local group. He also worked occasionally as a DJ on a radio station operated by his father.
Musical career and rise to fame
Milton played in samba groups such as Evolussamba and Sambacana during the early stages of his career. In 1962, he recorded his first song titled Barulho de Trem. He moved to Belo Horizonte a year later, where friendships with local musicians led to the founding of the Clube da Esquina movement. Together with artists like Lo Borges and Wagner Tiso, he shared compositions and melodies that shaped Brazilian popular music.
In 1967, Milton entered the Festival Internacional da Cancao and placed second with the song Travessia. This success earned him a recording contract with Creed Taylor, prompting a move to the United States to record the album Courage in 1969. His music also crossed over into international jazz when he appeared on Wayne Shorter's 1974 album Native Dancer, bringing him widespread acclaim across the globe.
Collaborations and major projects
Throughout his career, Milton collaborated with numerous prominent international and Brazilian artists. His work brought him into contact with musicians such as Elis Regina, Caetano Veloso, Paul Simon, Sarah Vaughan, and Herbie Hancock. In 1993, he worked with the pop rock band Duran Duran, co-writing and performing on the track Breath After Breath. He also contributed to the 1996 AIDS benefit album Red Hot Rio.
In later years, Milton continued to release collaborative projects. He partnered with rapper Criolo in 2020 on a solidarity EP and released collaborative albums with Chitaozinho and Xororo in 2023. He also recorded an album titled Milton + Esperanza with American musician Esperanza Spalding, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
Awards and farewell tour
Milton has received multiple accolades throughout his career, including five Grammy Awards and twelve Brazilian Music Awards. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in 2016 and received the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
In October 2021, Milton announced his farewell tour titled A Ultima Sessao de Musica on his birthday. He performed his final concert in November 2022 at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, concluding his live touring career while continuing occasional studio projects.
Birthday and age
Milton Nascimento was born on October 26, 1942, which makes Milton 83 years old today. That birthday falls under the Scorpio sign. Milton shares the date with 37 other famous people.
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