João Donato

João Donato de Oliveira Neto, known as João Donato, was a Brazilian musician and composer. He was born on August 17, 1934, in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. Donato is considered one of the pioneers of the bossa nova and jazz samba movements in Brazil.

Throughout his career, João Donato has been a versatile musician, excelling as a pianist, keyboardist, and arranger. He has contributed significantly to Brazilian popular music, fusing traditional Brazilian rhythms with jazz and other influences. Donato's music is known for its melodic and harmonically rich compositions, characterized by his unique piano style and innovative use of improvisation.

In the 1950s, Donato moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he collaborated with influential musicians such as Tom Jobim, João Gilberto, and Vinicius de Moraes, contributing to the development of bossa nova. He later relocated to the United States and worked with prominent jazz musicians like Cal Tjader and Mongo Santamaria.

João Donato has released numerous albums throughout his career, including "A Bad Donato," "Quem é Quem," and "Lugar Comum." His music has garnered international recognition and has been covered by various artists across different genres. He continues to be an active performer and composer, influencing generations of musicians with his distinctive style and contributions to Brazilian music.