Naná Vasconcelos (1944-2016), the stage name of Juvenal de Holanda Vasconcelos, was born in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, on August 2, 1944. At eleven, he received his first musical instrument – a bangô, a gift from his father. By the age of 12, he was already playing at parties in the capital of Pernambuco.
In 1967, Naná Vasconcelos left Recife and moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he met Milton Nascimento. With Milton, he recorded two albums. He traveled to São Paulo with singer and songwriter Geraldo Azevedo to participate in Quarteto Livre, which accompanied Geraldo Vandré at the famous Festival da Canção.
In the 1970s, he began his international career. First, he joined the band of Argentine saxophonist Gabo Barbieri, then worked on projects alongside Egberto Gismonti, trumpeter Don Cherry (in the group Codona), and guitarist Pat Metheny. He recorded with French guitarist Jean-Luc Ponty and with the band Talking Heads, led by David Byrne.
In New York and Paris, he found success by discovering that he had something different from what Americans and Europeans were used to hearing.
Despite spending 10 years abroad, the percussionist explained that he did not lose his identity, which is why he became famous outside Brazil. His career was recognized, and every spring/summer, the percussionist returned to Europe to perform a series of concerts at festivals.
Back in Brazil, the musician reestablished closer ties with the Brazilian music scene. He was voted the 
best percussionist eight times in a poll by DownBeat magazine.
While directing PercPan, he was impressed to see so many children on the streets. He then created the ABC das Artes and ABC Musical projects, but the first lasted just over two years in the city of Olinda, while the latter resumed whenever an opportunity arose.
Naná Vasconcelos was the master of ceremonies for the Recife carnival for 15 years. In 2015, diagnosed with lung cancer, he underwent chemotherapy but did not stop. He opened the festivities for the 2016 carnival and was planning an international tour with his friend Gismonti. On the morning of March 9, he suffered a respiratory arrest and did not survive.
Naná Vasconcelos passed away in Recife, Pernambuco, on March 9, 2016.
Source: www.ebiografias.com, by Dilva Frazão