Renato Russo
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Renato Russo, born Renato Manfredini Jr., (March 27, 1960 - October 11, 1996) was the formal founder and leader of the Brazilian rock band, Legião Urbana (Urban Legion).
Early Life
Renato Manfredini Jr. was born in Rio de Janeiro. His father was an executive from Banco do Brasil, and they moved to New York in 1967, when Renato's father was assigned a job position on the city. Later, they came back to Rio de Janeiro before finally, in 1973, moving to Brasília.
At the age of 15, Renato acquired epiphysiolysis, a disease that paralyzed his legs for two years. Renato had to have a platinum implant, which earned him the nickname "Six Million Dollar Man"[1]. Due to this condition, Renato became an enthusiastic reader. He studied Law. He grew interested in music, particularly punk, to the point of creating an imaginary band, 42nd Street Band, where he would be a lead singer and bass guitarrist. He worked as a journalist and an English teacher for a brief period before becoming a full-time musician and composer. He chose the stage name Renato Russo in honour of French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, British philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russel and painte Henri Rousseau[2].
Musical Career
During the years of 1978 and 1979, he was the bass player of the rock band Aborto Elétrico (Electric Abortion). Although the band did not last too long, Renato Russo wrote many songs during this period, that would later become hits of Capital Inicial (founded by the other members of the Aborto Elétrico) and Legião Urbana (founded by Renato Russo).
In 1982, he, along with Marcelo Bonfá, Dado Villa-Lobos and Renato Rocha, formed Legião Urbana (idealized some time before by Renato Russo). With Legião Urbana and Dois, they became widely famous in Brazil, with protest songs at first, and songs about love, spiritualism, family and sex afterwards.
He worked in two solo albums, with English and Italian songs, in the 1990s.
Death
He died in October 11, 1996 from an AIDS related illness. After his death, the remaining members of Legião Urbana decided to dismantle the band.
Renato Russo is survived by his 17 year old son, Giuliano Manfredini.
Solo Discography
- The Stonewall Celebration Concert (1994) - (250 thousand copies sold)
- Equilibrio Distante (1995) - (1 million copies sold)
- O Ultimo Solo (1997) - (500 thousand copies sold)
- Presente (2003) - (150 thousand copies sold)
External links
References
- [1], "Biografia" section
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