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Roberto Menescal

b. 1937

Brazilian musician and composer

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About Roberto Menescal

Born 1937. Roberto Menescal is a Brazilian composer, record producer, songwriter, jazz musician, singer and guitarist.

Roberto Menescal (born October 25, 1937) is a Brazilian composer, record producer, guitarist, vocalist, and pioneer of bossa nova. In many of his songs there are references to the sea, including his best-known composition "O Barquinho" ("Little Boat"). He is also known for work with Carlos Lyra, Nara Leão, Wanda Sá, Ale Vanzella, and many others. Menescal has performed in Latin music genres such as bossa nova, samba and MPB. He was nominated for a Latin Grammy for his work with his son's bossa group Bossacucanova in 2002, and received the 2013 Latin Recording Academy Special Awards in Las Vegas in November 2013.

Career In 1957, he worked as sideman for Sylvia Telles in Brazil. A year later he started a guitar school with Carlos Lyra. He formed one of the earliest bossa nova bands with Bebeto, Henrique, João Mário, and Luís Carlos Vinhas.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Awards
Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

People in Roberto Menescal's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Roberto Menescal's

Frequently asked questions

Who is Roberto Menescal?

Brazilian musician and composer

When was Roberto Menescal born?

Roberto Menescal was born on 25 October 1937 in Vitória.

What is Roberto Menescal's occupation?

Roberto Menescal is a composer, record producer, songwriter, jazz musician, singer and guitarist.

What nationality is Roberto Menescal?

Roberto Menescal is Brazilian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Roberto Menescal

· Wikidata: Q2395222

· DBpedia: Roberto Menescal

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Roberto Menescal. https://biography.guide/roberto-menescal/

MLA: "Roberto Menescal." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/roberto-menescal/.

Chicago: "Roberto Menescal." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/roberto-menescal/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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