Newton Mendonça
Brazilian musician, composer, and lyricist
About Newton Mendonça
Lived 1927 – 1960 (aged 33). Newton Mendonça was a Brazilian composer, pianist, jazz musician, writer, songwriter and harmonicist.
Newton Ferreira de Mendonça (February 14, 1921 – November 22, 1960) was a musician, composer, and lyricist. He began as a pianist in 1950.
Mendonça was born in Rio de Janeiro. In 1953 he started working with Antônio Carlos Jobim, something for which he is best known. Mendonça went on to co-compose music and lyrics for Desafinado, Meditação, and Samba de uma nota só. In 1959 he had his first heart attack, but his songs continued gaining attention. In 1960 his second heart attack proved fatal.
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Important facts
People in Newton Mendonça's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Newton Mendonça?
Brazilian musician, composer, and lyricist (1927–1960)
When was Newton Mendonça born?
Newton Mendonça was born on 14 February 1927 in Rio de Janeiro.
When did Newton Mendonça die?
Newton Mendonça died on 22 November 1960 in Rio de Janeiro.
What was Newton Mendonça's occupation?
Newton Mendonça was a composer, pianist, jazz musician, writer, songwriter and harmonicist.
What nationality was Newton Mendonça?
Newton Mendonça was Brazilian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Newton Mendonça. https://biography.guide/newton-mendonca/
MLA: "Newton Mendonça." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/newton-mendonca/.
Chicago: "Newton Mendonça." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/newton-mendonca/.
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