This week we’re talking Roberto Carlos. This is the first time a Brazilian makes our Throwback Thursday series. Just a forewarning, we are talking about the singer Roberto Carlos, not the soccer player. Important distinction when googling him. Want to learn more about soccer players turned Latin artists? Read here if that’s the case. Anyways, let’s talk about the legendary Roberto Carlos.
Background – Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos was born in 1941 in the Brazilian province of Espirito Santo, he has been called “The King of Latin Music” (something I would find debatable). As a child, Carlos lost his leg at the age of 6 after being hit by a locomotive. He evidently avoids discussing his prosthetic leg but holy hell, what a story. Meanwhile, despire losing a leg, Carlos displayed a musical prowess. He demonstrated skills with both the piano and the guitar. Carlos’s popularity hit an even higher level as he became a leader of the youth movement in Brazilian movement. As part of the Jovem Guarda (Youth Guard), Carlos became a major star. His albums eventually began to displace The Beatles on Brazilian charts. In 1994, he became the first Latin artist to surpass The Beatles in sales.
Similar to Franco De Vita, Roberto Carlos has a very nasally voice. His style evolved from a pop rock star to a singer of romantic songs. Carlos began to sing boleros, transforming his discography. He would fill his career with these tracks. Carlos mastered singing in not only Portuguese and Spanish, but also English and Italian.
Unforgettable
Today’s song is Involvidable. This song is perfectly in Carlos’s wheel house as a romantic artist. Involvidable was written in 1944 by Cuban writer Julio Guiterrez. The song was written as a bolero and was made most famous by Carlos’s version. This song is about a girl who is, in no uncertain terms, unforgettable. Filled with passion and romance, the track is simple in it’s construction. Even though the singer has sought other love, only one girl can ease his thoughts. Only one girl is unforgettable. Another girl cannot help him find his love. Only she can.
A song about the unforgettable love, this song deserves a spot on every romantic playlist. Carlos’s voice helps to give this song the emotional weight it deserves. Moreover, this version gives us the type of vulnerability that we deserve in a bolero.
From 1975, Involvidable.
Bonus – Luis Miguel singing the same song
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