Portuguese music icon Marco Paulo dies
Listen here to five essential hits by the beloved artist, known for his charisma and "melodramatic" songs.
What?
João Simão da Silva, popularly known as Marco Paulo, died this Thursday, October 24, aged 79 after a long battle with cancer.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa issued a note saying: “The President of the Republic received with regret the news of the death of the singer Marco Paulo, who was present in Portuguese musical life for decades, and presents his condolences to his family, friends and admirers.”
Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, paid tribute to the singer on X: “I pay a heartfelt tribute to Marco Paulo, a big reference of Portuguese culture who left us today. He leaves a strong musical legacy behind, which spans generations and unites Portugal.”
His funeral will take place at 2.30pm on Saturday in Lisbon, with the wake starting at 4pm on Friday at the Basílica da Estrela.
Tell me more
Marco Paulo rose to fame in the 1960s, initially with covers of international songs, but soon developed his own unique style that resonated deeply with Portuguese audiences.
His music blends pop, folk, and traditional Portuguese rhythms, often centered around themes of love, heartbreak, and devotion. Over the years, he became especially famous for songs such as “Eu Tenho Dois Amores” and “Taras e Manias”, both of which are now considered classics of Portuguese music.
His success is reflected in his numerous awards and achievements. He has sold millions of records, earning multiple platinum and gold albums throughout his career.
It’s perhaps difficult for a non-Portuguese to understand his popularity. Perhaps the best way of explaining it’s about being unashamedly “melodramatic”. Plus, despite his huge success, he always kept his feet on the ground and remained very related.
Later years
His popularity transcended generations, with his songs being cherished by both older and younger fans. Marco Paulo has also been recognized for his contributions to Portuguese culture, receiving honors such as the Order of Merit from the President of Portugal.
Despite facing significant health challenges, including a battle with cancer, Marco Paulo continued to perform and record music, demonstrating his dedication to his craft and his fans. His resilience and passion for music have made him a symbol of perseverance and artistic talent in Portugal.
In addition to his music career, Marco Paulo’s charismatic persona has also made him a frequent presence on television, further cementing his status as a beloved figure in Portuguese popular culture.
Five essential hits
Eu Tenho Dois Amores (“I Have Two Loves”), 1982
Taras e Manias (“Fixations and Quirks”), 1991
Maravilhoso Coração (“Wonderful Heart”), 1991
Joana (“Johanna”), 1991
Ninguém, Ninguém (“No one, No one”), 1979
If you really enjoyed these songs, congratulations! You’re almost Portuguese. Please take it to next level by playing the following playlist: