Milton is one of the greatest, and most influential, pop singers of the second half of the 20th century, and an icon in the jazz world. In Brazil, he’s an icon in the pop world, but for some reason when Brazilian music crosses over into the USA, it gets converted to the jazz category. Possibly because the pop world cannot handle lyrics that are not in English, although Milton has sung in English on a few albums. Many of the greats have paid homage to Milton by singing duets with him: James Taylor, Sting, Mercedes Sosa, Elis Regina, Sarah Vaughan, and Paul Simon. The list of guest musicians includes: Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Pat Metheny. In his career, he has broken all the rules — with songs that are too personal, too long, a vocal range too wide (including falsetto), and a deep sense of personal privacy. His song repertory is unmatched — more than forty years without falling into a groove or trend. I have helped him with English language coaching for recordings, and written program notes, and helped smooth the way on tours. However, if I am known in Brazil, it’s for one thing….
Milton composed his first song, Novena, after seeing the film Jules and Jim, starring Jeanne Moreau, with his friend Marcio Borges. He credits Moreau’s performance with inspiring him to sing. One time when we were all in Manhattan, I took Milton on a midtown bus to see “a special friend.” He was so shy I didn’t feel I could tell him who it was. As we got out of the elevator and approached the apartment door, I told him: “You are about to meet Jeanne Moreau.” He was paralyzed. Jeanne admired Milton’s work greatly, and served us tea…. The next day, in all the Brazilian newspapers, “Milton meets Moreau!”
