Brazilian Jazz Icon Hermeto Pascoal, ‘The Sorcerer of Sound,’ Dies at 89

Brazilian jazz pioneer Hermeto Pascoal, celebrated worldwide for his boundless creativity and mastery of sound, has died at the age of 89.

The eccentric multi-instrumentalist, easily recognisable by his flowing white beard and hair, earned the nickname “The Sorcerer” for his ability to transform anything — from flutes and pianos to everyday household objects into instruments of music.

Pascoal’s family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt Instagram statement on Saturday, saying he died “with serenity and love,” surrounded by loved ones and fellow musicians. Fittingly, they revealed that at the moment of his death, his band was on stage performing “just as he would have wished: making sound and music.”

Born in Alagoas, northeastern Brazil, Pascoal’s rise to global prominence came through groundbreaking collaborations with jazz legends, including Miles Davis, who recorded several of his compositions. His daring improvisations and fearless experimentation established him as one of the most innovative voices in modern jazz.

Beyond his technical brilliance, Pascoal was revered for his philosophy that music could be created from anything and shared by everyone. Over decades, he inspired generations of musicians across Brazil and beyond.

Tributes poured in following his death, with Brazilian music giant Caetano Veloso hailing him as “one of the highest points in the history of music in Brazil.”

Hermeto Pascoal leaves behind a legacy that transcends genres, borders, and even instruments — a true sorcerer whose music remains immortal.