Laudir de Oliveira

Born on January 6, 1940, in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Died on September 17, 2017, in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Percussionist and composer who was a member of various Sérgio Mendes’ groups and the band Chicago.
His first recording session in the U.S. was in 1969, on Joe Cocker’s album ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’. He later joined Sérgio Mendes & Brasil ‘77 in 1972, appearing on such albums as ‘Primal Roots’ and ‘Love Music’. Laudir later joined the pop supergroup Chicago, being featured on such huge hits as Happy Man and If You Leave Me Now. He kept very active in the busy L.A. studio scene of the ’70s, recording with Chick Corea, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim, Jacksons and many others.
After having returned to his native Brazil in the late 80s, he has often performed and recorded with Marcos Valle (with whom he co-wrote many songs covered by Leon Ware), Ithamara Koorax and José Roberto Bertrami. In 2014, he joined Rodrigo Lima’s SAGA band.