BTN News: At 81 years old, Milton Nascimento, one of Brazil’s most celebrated musical icons, has released what he calls his final album, Milton + Esperanza. This poignant collaboration with Grammy-winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding marks the close of a 60-year career that redefined Brazilian music for generations. Nascimento’s rich baritone and ethereal falsetto have earned him global acclaim, but now, he faces the reality of his aging voice. Despite this, the album offers a stirring tribute to his legacy, featuring duets with artists such as Paul Simon and Dianne Reeves. As the man once dubbed “the voice of God” steps away from the spotlight, his impact continues to reverberate across the musical world.
A Moment of Despair—and Ray Charles
In 1955, at just 13 years old, Milton Nascimento was struck by a profound crisis. As his voice deepened with puberty, he feared he would never sing again. “When my voice started getting lower, I said, ‘I don’t want to sing anymore,’” Nascimento recalled, reflecting on his teenage heartbreak. Music, which had once been his solace, now seemed lost to him.
But in his moment of despair, a quiet, tender voice from the radio changed everything. Ray Charles was singing “Stella by Starlight”, and Nascimento suddenly found hope. “After I heard that, I said: ‘Now I can sing,’” he explained. That pivotal moment inspired a career that would span six decades, earning him accolades from fans, critics, and fellow musicians worldwide.
The Final Act: Milton + Esperanza
Released in 2024, Milton Nascimento’s final album, Milton + Esperanza, is a collaboration that feels almost dreamlike. Arranged and produced by the American jazz bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding, the album weaves together new material with reimagined classics from Nascimento’s vast discography. The two artists’ voices entwine beautifully across the tracks, with Spalding’s smooth, youthful vocals guiding Nascimento’s more weathered tones.
Among the standout moments is a duet with Paul Simon, marking the first new song that Nascimento has released in years. This powerful track is symbolic of Nascimento’s global influence—his music resonates far beyond Brazil, inspiring a wide array of musicians, from Simon to Sting, who famously called Nascimento “the truth in beauty.”
From Brazil to the World: A Legacy of Innovation
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1942, Nascimento’s path to fame was far from straightforward. Orphaned at the age of two, he was adopted by a woman from the state of Minas Gerais, where he grew up in a house filled with music. By the time he reached his twenties, Nascimento had already begun to make waves in the Brazilian music scene. But it was in 1967, during a televised music competition, that his star truly ascended. The performance was nothing short of a revelation, leaving the audience awestruck.
“It was something spiritual,” remembered Brazilian guitarist Guinga, who shared the stage with Nascimento that night. “He became famous overnight.”
His breakthrough album Clube da Esquina (1972), recorded with fellow musicians, is still hailed as a masterpiece. The record combined Brazilian folk, jazz, classical, and rock, creating a sound both familiar and innovative. Its mix of uplifting melodies and subtle dissonance ensured Nascimento’s place as one of Brazil’s most influential artists.
A Global Influence: From Wayne Shorter to Paul McCartney
Throughout his career, Nascimento collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including jazz legends like Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Pat Metheny. These collaborations not only introduced Nascimento to a global audience but also solidified his reputation as an artist capable of transcending genres and borders.
Even today, artists across the world express their admiration for him. Philip Bailey, lead singer of Earth, Wind & Fire, once compared Nascimento’s voice to “a beautiful Brazilian beach.” Paul Simon described his voice as “magical,” while Brazilian critics went a step further, calling it “the voice of God.”
A Bittersweet Farewell Tour
In 2022, Nascimento embarked on a farewell tour, performing to sold-out crowds in cities like New York and Boston. Spalding joined him on stage for several performances, creating a sense of both celebration and closure for the fans in attendance. It was during this tour that his son, Augusto Nascimento, who manages his father’s affairs, proposed the idea of making one final album with Spalding.
The resulting album, Milton + Esperanza, is a testament to the lasting bond between these two artists. With songs that range from covers of Wayne Shorter and Michael Jackson to heartfelt new compositions, the album feels like both a tribute to Nascimento’s legacy and a hopeful look towards the future of Brazilian music.
The Man Behind the Music
Despite his immense success, Nascimento has always remained a humble, introspective figure. At his home, surrounded by the five Grammy Awards he’s won over the years, he spoke softly about his career, often losing his train of thought as his memory began to fade. His son, Augusto, expressed deep concern: “My agony is not seeing this as his last production. My agony is knowing that I don’t know how many more years I’ll have with him.”
But Nascimento refuses to dwell on aging or the idea of retirement. “I don’t think much about it,” he said. “Not really.”
A Voice That Changed Music Forever
As Nascimento steps away from the spotlight, his music will continue to echo through the generations. From his early days in Minas Gerais to the global stages he’s graced, his voice—whether soaring in falsetto or grounded in a rich baritone—remains an integral part of the world’s musical fabric. Esperanza Spalding perhaps put it best when she said: “He possesses a special essence, and it manifests in the music.”
For those who have been touched by his sound, Nascimento’s legacy will live on, even after the final note has been sung.
Final Thoughts
Milton Nascimento’s influence on both Brazilian and global music is immeasurable. With Milton + Esperanza, he leaves behind a profound legacy of innovation, collaboration, and unshakable emotion. Though his voice may have softened, his music remains as powerful and poignant as ever.
