Laurindo Almeida

Acoustic guitarist from Brazil (born 2 September 1917 in Prainha (now Miracatu), São Paulo, Brazil, died 26 July 1995 in Van Nuys, California, USA). Married to singer Deltra Eamon. A master of the instrument, Almeida commanded many styles, including those of his native Brazil. Winner of five Grammy awards, he was the first to win in both jazz and classical categories. In Los Angeles, he was a soloist with Stan Kenton 1947-1949; after settling in California he worked for 25 years in films and TV, while still remaining active in jazz. Featured in a 1964 episode of British BBC TV program "Jazz 625" with Modern Jazz Quartet, which led to a joint album titled "Collaboration". Almeida was also the subject of the documentary "Muito prazer, Laurindo Almeida" ("The Guitar from Maracatu"), directed by Leonardo Dourado in 1990, later expanded to a TV series broadcasted on Brazilian GNT network in 2004. It featured Turibio Santos, Arnaldo DeSouteiro and actor Francisco Milani.