Roberto Leal (singer) facts for kids
Roberto Leal was a very famous singer and songwriter from Portugal who also became a Brazilian citizen. He sold over 17 million albums! That's a lot of music. He also won many awards, including 30 golden records and 5 platinum records. Roberto was born in a town called Macedo de Cavaleiros in Portugal.
Who Was Roberto Leal?
Roberto Leal's full name was António Joaquim Fernandes. He was born on November 27, 1951. He became known for his lively music that mixed Portuguese and Brazilian styles.
His Popularity
Roberto Leal was incredibly popular in both Portugal and Brazil. In a survey done in Rio de Janeiro, people were asked to name the first famous Portuguese person they could think of. Roberto Leal was the top answer! About 15% of people thought of him first. This was more than famous historical figures like Pedro Álvares Cabral (who arrived in Brazil) or Luís de Camões (a famous poet).
Some of Roberto Leal's most well-known songs include:
- "Bate o Pé"
- "Clareou"
- "O Vinho de Meu Amor"
- "Marrabenta"
He also released albums in two different languages: Portuguese and Mirandese. He did this in 2007 and again in 2010.
Later Years
In January 2019, Roberto Leal shared that he was facing some health challenges. He passed away on September 15, 2019, at the age of 67, in a hospital in São Paulo. He will always be remembered for his music and his connection to both Portuguese and Brazilian cultures.