Paulinho Da Costa
Paulo Roberto da Costa
Played on
Tracy ChapmanTracy Chapman, 1988Percussion 
Stadium ArcadiumRed Hot Chili Peppers, 2006Percussion 
Hell Freezes OverEagles, 1994Percussion 
LiveKenny G, 1989Percussion 
CrossroadsTracy Chapman, 1989Congas, Tambourine 
Así Fue / Ojos Azules Como El MarIsabel Pantoja, 1988Percussion 
Debo Hacerlo (Version Discotheque)Juan Gabriel, 1987Percussion 
RaptureAnita Baker, 1986Percussion 
ShadesYellowjackets, 1986Percussion 
Another PageChristopher Cross, 1983Percussion 
Can’t Slow DownLionel Richie, 1983Percussion 
RobberyTeena Marie, 1983Percussion 
FriendsLarry Carlton, 1983Percussion 
70 Miles YoungChuck Mangione, 1982Percussion 
ThrillerMichael Jackson, 1982Percussion 
If That’s What It TakesMichael McDonald, 1982Percussion 
Mystical AdventuresJean-Luc Ponty, 1982Percussion 
The DudeQuincy Jones, 1981Percussion 
Tonight I’m YoursRod Stewart, 1981Percussion 
Foolish BehaviourRod Stewart, 1980Percussion 
Wizard IslandThe Jeff Lorber Fusion, 1980Guest, Percussion 
Strikes TwiceLarry Carlton, 1980Percussion 
Off The WallMichael Jackson, 1979Percussion About
Paulinho Da Costa, born May 31, 1948 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a percussionist and started his career playing in various Brazilian ensembles and samba groups.
Arriving in the USA in 1973, Paulinho played in ‘ band for four years before becoming one of the most in-demand percussionists of LA’s recording studios in the 1980’s.
He has recorded with Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson (on the multi-platinum trilogy of “Thriller,” “Bad” and “Off The Wall”), the multi-platinum and biggest selling soundtrack of all time, Toto, Madonna, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Diana Krall, Claus Ogerman and countless others. Paulinho Da Costa has also sporadically released solo albums for Pablo Records and A&M Records.
On May 13, 2026, the percussionist received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, United States, becoming the first person born in Brazil to receive this honor.