Simonal isn't well known outside of Brazil, but he was a massive star in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s who forged the world's catchiest amalgam of soul, jazz, samba and boogaloo. He called the style “pilantragem” and it is hands-down the best go-go-boot wearing, shimmy-and-strut music to come out of the country. It was a perfect storm of rebellion and joy, helmed by Simonal's exuberant and soulful voice. His was an extraordinary (and fairly apolitical) talent, but his career was destroyed by rumors that he was spying for the dictatorship; the rumors were proved false after his death.