Deodato (born Eumir Deodato de Almeida on June 22, 1942, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is a Brazilian musician, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and record producer. Best known internationally for his hit adaptation of “Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey)” during the 1970s, Deodato became a major figure in jazz-fusion and jazz-funk music. Originally focusing on jazz piano, his musical reach soon expanded to include rock, pop, R&B, funk, Latin, Brazilian, and orchestral styles.
After moving to New York, he released his first American album, Prelude, in 1972 under CTI Records. Prelude became CTI’s best-selling album and one of the most commercially successful jazz albums ever recorded, peaking at #3 on the Billboard 200. Its centerpiece, the funky reimagining of Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra, remains Deodato’s signature hit and an enduring favorite among oldies music fans.
Though he never matched the commercial heights of Prelude, Deodato’s influence remained strong. Over a prolific career that spans decades, he has contributed to more than 500 albums, with 14 achieving platinum status. In addition to his solo work, Deodato has been a highly sought-after producer and arranger, collaborating with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Björk, Kool and the Gang, Aretha Franklin, and Astrud Gilberto.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Eumir Deodato de Almeida grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Entirely self-taught, Deodato began playing the accordion at age 12 before transitioning to piano. His natural musical talent quickly became apparent, and by his teenage years, he was already performing in local rock bands.
At the age of 17, Deodato was asked to arrange for an orchestra during a recording session, even though he had never previously written a musical score. Rising to the challenge, he quickly learned the essentials and impressed industry veterans with his instincts and skill. Despite briefly studying engineering, Deodato soon realized that music was his true calling.
By the early 1960s, he was working as an arranger and pianist for prominent Brazilian musicians, gaining recognition for his sophisticated harmonies and genre-blending style.
Move to the U.S. and Breakthrough Success
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In 1967, Deodato relocated to New York City, where he became a key figure in the American music scene. His skill as an arranger led him to collaborate with some of the biggest names in music, including Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Frank Sinatra. Notably, he arranged for Sinatra’s 1971 album Sinatra & Company.
In 1972, Deodato signed with CTI Records, run by famed producer Creed Taylor. The following year, he released Prelude, a landmark album that blended jazz with funk, rock, and orchestral elements. The standout track, his funky nine-minute version of Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra, became a worldwide sensation.
“Also Sprach Zarathustra” reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 in Canada, and #7 in the UK. The album Prelude soared to #3 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum—a rare achievement for a jazz-based recording. Deodato earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1974 for the track. It was also famously featured in the 1979 film Being There starring Peter Sellers and Shirley MacLaine.
Continued Success and Subsequent Albums
Following his breakthrough, Deodato released Deodato 2 in 1973. While it didn’t match the commercial success of Prelude, it still performed strongly, reaching #19 on the Billboard 200. His cover of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” included on Deodato 2, became a minor hit, peaking at #41 on the Hot 100.
Deodato continued to explore and record jazz fusion and funk-influenced albums throughout the 1970s. His stylish arrangements and knack for blending genres made his work popular among both mainstream audiences and jazz aficionados.
One of his notable recordings, an adaptation of Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante défunte (“Pavane for a Dead Princess”), became well-known in Australia, where it was used for many years as background music during nightly news montages.
Collaborations and Production Work
Beyond his solo career, Deodato enjoyed considerable success behind the scenes as a producer and arranger:
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Kool and the Gang: Deodato produced several albums for the band during the 1980s, including the hit singles “Celebration” and “Ladies’ Night,” helping to revitalize their career.
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Björk: In the late 1990s, Deodato arranged the orchestral parts for Björk’s critically acclaimed 1997 album Homogenic. He had earlier remixed her song “Isobel” for the album Telegram.
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Other Artists: Deodato also worked with Kevin Rowland (of Dexys Midnight Runners), Roberto Carlos, and produced tracks for Chicago-based hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco.
Throughout his career, Deodato’s versatility and impeccable ear for blending styles made him a go-to collaborator across a wide range of genres.
Later Career and Recent Projects
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Even as musical tastes evolved, Deodato continued to stay active in the industry. In 2007, he released Eumir Deodato Trio – Ao Vivo no Rio (Live in Rio), highlighting his return to his Brazilian roots and showcasing his enduring talents as a performer.
That same year, he co-produced Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco’s single “Paris, Tokyo” from the Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool album. In 2010, he released The Crossing, recorded with Italian producers Lino and Pino Nicolosi, featuring guest appearances by Al Jarreau, Rick Braun, and other notable musicians.
Deodato also worked on several movie soundtracks, contributing scores to films such as The Onion Field (1979) and Bossa Nova (2000), further cementing his reputation as a versatile and imaginative composer.
Selected Singles (Partial List)
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“Do It Again” (Live) / “Branches” (Live) (B-side by Airto)
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“Moonlight Serenade” / “Havana Strut” (1974)
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“Theme from Peter Gunn” / “Amani” (1976)
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“Watusi Strut” / “Watusi Strut (Disco Version)” (1975)
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“Uncle Funk” / “Whistle Stop” (1978)
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“S.O.S. Fire in the Sky” / “East Side Strut” (1984)
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“Double Feature” (featuring Al Jarreau, 2007)
Legacy
Eumir Deodato’s career has spanned over five decades, touching nearly every genre of contemporary popular music. From jazz and classical to funk and disco, Deodato has left a lasting imprint on the world’s musical landscape. His ability to bridge stylistic divides, his lush orchestrations, and his genre-defying compositions have made him one of the most respected musicians, arrangers, and producers of his generation.
Today, Deodato remains a revered figure in the worlds of jazz fusion, Brazilian pop, and popular music at large — a testament to the enduring power of creativity and musical innovation.