Arlindo Cruz

Arlindo Domingos da Cruz Filho OMC (14 September 1958 – 8 August 2025) was a Brazilian musician and songwriter, working in the genre of samba and pagode. Cruz took part in the most important formation of Grupo Fundo de Quintal, and was considered one of the most important figures of the pagode movement.

Early life and career

At the age of seven, Cruz was given his first musical instrument, the cavaquinho, by his father (Arlindão), a friend and partner of Candeia with whom he had founded the Mensageiros do Samba group. From age 7 to 12, Cruz already played by ear, learning chord voicing from his brother Acyr Marques' guitar playing. At 12, he went on to study classical guitar for 2 years at the Flor do Méier institution. About that time he started working professionally as a musician, on rodas de samba with various artists, especially Candeia who he considers to be his musical godfather. With Candeia he recorded a simple compact and an LP called 'Roda de Samba', playing cavaquinho.

With Jorge Aragão exiting Grupo Fundo de Quintal, Cruz was invited to join the group, an invitation which he accepted happily, dedicating himself during 12 years of success. Cruz played the banjo cavaquinho in the group and was one of the lead voices and songwriters, along with singer/songwriter Sombrinha, who played cavaquinho and guitar.

Arlindo Cruz had over 450 songs recorded by various artists, including Zeca Pagodinho, Maria Rita and Beth Carvalho. Cruz was also considered one of the most prolific banjo players to have ever dwelt in the samba scene, alongside Almir Guineto, with a great number of studio recordings for various artists, standing as a distinguished instrumentalist.