Renato Russo

Renato Russo, a prominent rock/pop artist and founder of the band Legião Urbana, achieved significant success in Brazil. Following his passing, Legião Urbana remains the country's top-selling rock group, with their CD from the Acústico MTV series selling over a million copies. Between 1995 and 1999, Legião's albums sold 10.2 million copies, along with two million of Renato's solo albums. Russo played a pivotal role in putting Brazil's capital on the national rock music map, influencing bands like Detrito Federal, Plebe Rude, and Capital Inicial in the mid-'80s with his poignant lyrics that resonated with Brazilian youth.

Born in Rio, Renato Russo moved to New York with his family in 1967 before settling in Brasília. In 1978, he founded the punk rock band Aborto Elétrico, which marked the beginning of his musical journey. Following the band's dissolution, Russo formed Legião Urbana in 1982, performing at underground venues and gaining a dedicated following. Despite facing challenges, including a violent incident at a Brasília concert in 1988, Russo continued to create music both with Legião Urbana and as a solo artist. His solo projects, such as The Stonewall Celebration and Equilíbrio Distante, showcased his versatility and creativity. After his passing from AIDS, his legacy was honored through posthumous releases and publications, solidifying his impact on Brazilian music.