Biography

Oscar Castro-Neves was born on May 15, 1940 in Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was a composer, known for L.A. Story (1991), Housesitter (1992) and What About Bob? (1991). He was married to Lorraine Castro-Neves. He died on September 27, 2013 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Formed a band with his brothers in his youth.

He was one of eight children in a musical family. He learned to play the cavaquinho, a small, traditional Brazilian guitar, and the piano. At 16, he became famous. After a recording artist heard him play at a party, his composition "Chora Tua Tristeza" (Cry Your Sadness) went to the top of the charts, and was widely recorded by others.

He collaborated with musician Antonio Carlos Jobim to help create the bossa nova sound.

At 22, Castro-Neves performed in a landmark bossa nova concert at Carnegie Hall. In 1966, he moved permanently to the U.S., where his quick, gentle guitar style and vocals received rave reviews. He toured with Stan Getz, Frank Sinatra, and Lalo Schifrin.

For 10 years, he was guitarist, musical director, and vocal coach for Sergio Mendes' Brasil '66. He produced albums by various musicians, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma and jazz harmonica player Toots Thielemans.