Carlos Lyra (born November 6, 1936) is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has been active since the 1950s. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Brazilian popular music, and has been an influence on many other Brazilian musicians.
Lyra was born in Rio de Janeiro, and began playing the guitar at the age of 15. He soon began writing music, and by the 1950s he was performing in clubs in the city. He quickly developed a unique style of playing, combining elements of traditional Brazilian music with jazz and other influences. He also began writing songs, and soon had his first hit, "O Barquinho" (The Little Boat).
In the 1960s, Lyra became a major figure in the bossa nova movement, which blended together Brazilian rhythms, jazz, and other elements. He wrote a number of songs that became classics, including "Coisa Mais Linda" (The Most Beautiful Thing), "Minha Namorada" (My Girlfriend), and "Vestido de Bolero" (Bolero Dress). He also wrote a number of songs for other artists, including Elis Regina's hit "Como Nossos Pais" (Like Our Parents).
In the 1970s, Lyra continued to write and perform, but he also began to focus more on teaching. He taught at the Escola de Música Popular de Rio de Janeiro, as well as at the National School of Music in Brasília. During this period, he also wrote a number of books on music theory, technique, and history.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Lyra continued to perform, record, and teach. He was also a frequent guest on Brazilian radio and television programs. In 1997, he was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by the government of Brazil for his contributions to Brazilian music.
Lyra is still active today, performing at concerts and festivals around the world. He continues to write and record new music, and his influence can be heard in the work of many modern Brazilian musicians. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Brazilian popular music, and his songs are still popular today.
