As far as Brazilian fans go (at least those of, ahem, a certain age), Elvis is not king. The performer who holds that regal title for them is Roberto Carlos, who at 81 years of age still manages to score Top 40 hits in his homeland and across the adult Latin market despite what folks a quarter his age might do.
While many of his contemporaries’ new releases are relegated to classic rock or oldies radio stations, his songs still get plenty of airplay. His song “Esse Cara Sou Eu” — released in the Spanish-speaking market as “Ese Tipo Soy Yo” — topped the Billboard Brasil Top 100 chart in 2012 and served as the theme song for the Brazilian soap opera Salve Jorge.
Browse TuneIn, Pandora, or Spotify’s Brazilian radio stations, and it’s nearly impossible not to stumble into one of his songs — even if in the form of covers from contemporary acts like Paula Toller, Adriana Calcanhoto, and Maria Rita or rock bands like Skank, Paralamas do Sucesso, and Titas.
Despite the success of his 60-year career, what Carlos is really passionate about is performing is live — something that he hasn’t done since the pandemic hit.
If you’re wondering how he keeps his vocal cords in shape after all these years, Carlos credits his phono-audiologist, Dr. Mara Belay, and his own self-discipline.
“I don’t smoke and try to keep a healthy lifestyle,” he says.
Which is to say fans can expect the same pristine voice when the Brazilian crooner kicks off his U.S. tour at FTX Arena on Friday, April 22. The 12-city run will continue on to places like Boston, New York, and Los Angeles.
Says Carlos of the tour: “I am very happy to meet my fans and share this love and affection that exists between us.”
Roberto Carlos. 8 p.m. Friday, April 22, at FTX Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. 786-777-1000; ftxarena.com. Tickets cost $55.24 to $295.24 via ticketmaster.com.