Hermeto Pascoal, the innovative Brazilian composer famed for his blend of jazz and traditional music, has died at the age of 89.
The self-taught multi-instrumentalist rose from child poverty to international fame - with Miles Davis calling him the most important musician on the planet.
He was surrounded by family and fellow musicians, a statement announcing his death says. It did not provide further details.
Pascoal wrote more than 2,000 instrumental pieces and continued to arrange music and record artists well into his 80s.
The artist was primarily a pianist and flutist, but also played saxophone, guitars, drums, and accordions - and frequently incorporated household objects into his work.
While recording his debut album Slaves Mass for Warner Brothers in 1976, he brought a pair of live pigs into the studio.
Born on June 22, 1936, in a rural settlement northeast of Alagoas, he was unable to work outside with his family due to his albinism and taught himself music while spending his days indoors.
At age 10, he began playing at dances and weddings, later performing forró and other traditional Brazilian music across the region.
In the late 1950s, he moved to Rio de Janeiro and discovered the city's jazz scene, performing in nightclubs and joining a radio orchestra.
His blend of jazz and traditional folk styles caught the attention of Brazil's biggest stars in the genre, including singer Elis Regina and percussionist Airto Moreira, who accompanied him on a US tour where he met Miles Davis.
However, despite earning respect in the jazz community, Pascoal rejected the label and acknowledged the significance of Brazilian music in his work.
When they think I am doing one thing I am already doing something else... It's very liquid, he told Jazz World in 2022.
Pascoal's family announced his passing on Instagram, urging supporters to let a single note ring out to honor him.
