AUGUST 3 “THIS WEEK IN THE MUSIC OF NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE”

Caetano Veloso, a Brazilian composer, guitarist, and political activist, was born on the this date in 1942.

Veloso helped found the influential and controversial Brazilian band “Tropicalismo” in 1967. The band became known for its leftist lyrics and political stances. Consequently, the band was vehemently opposed by the militarist Brazilian government, and many of its songs were censored.

Nonetheless, Veloso continued playing music. In 1993, the band celebrated their 25th anniversary by releasing the CD Tropicalia 2. The CD included a song, “Haiti,” which addressed poverty, homelessness, and the AIDS epidemic.

To listen to Veloso, see this concert and listen to “Haiti.”

To learn more about Veloso’s prolific career, see his website.