Walter Wanderley

Walter Wanderley (12 May 1932 – 4 September 1986) was an organist and pianist, born in Recife, Brazil and best known for his lounge and bossa nova music.^[1]

Already famous in his native country by the late 1950s, he became an internationally renowned star through his collaboration with the singer Astrud Gilberto and her husband, João Gilberto. During 1966–1967, he recorded three notable albums on the Verve label with the a trio consisting of Walter, Claudio Slon (drums) and Jose Marino (bass). These albums, Rainforest, Cheganca and Astrud Gilberto's A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness were produced in the United States by Creed Taylor, who initially brought the Trio to the U.S. to record. Wanderley's U.S. recording of Summer Samba reached #26 on the Billboard charts in the summer of 1966.^[2]

After the Trio disbanded (though they were briefly reunited in 1971 for "The Return of the Original" on Canyon Records), Wanderley himself continued to record albums on Verve, A&M/CTI, and GNP Cresendo. During this time he also made numerous personal appearances, including a concert tour of Mexico.^[2]

Wanderley was known for his smooth style and mastery of the Hammond L100 organ. He died of cancer in 1986.

He was married to Isaurinha Garcia, one of the most popular singers in Brazil.