For those who are passionate about Brazilian Popular Music, the statue of Tom Jobim is a perfect visiting point to pay homage to the renowned singer and composer. Family, friends and fans go to the monument site to be present, take photos and remember the historical legacy left by Tom.
Its life-size image enchants everyone and brings a large flow of visitors to the upscale neighborhood of Ipanema, in Rio de Janeiro. The background, intended for the monument, frames the sea and sky of the Brazilian beach, providing an overview of a true work of art.
Ipanema is one of the places that Tom Jobim loved most and, because of this, it became the perfect place to host his statue and also an essential tourist spot for those who admire him.
Who was Tom Jobim?
Antônio Carlos Brasileiro de Almeida Jobim was a composer, conductor, pianist, singer, arranger and violinist with participation in more than 50 musical albums. The artist is acclaimed by the public and critics as a genius of Brazilian music, with sophisticated and striking compositions. His works were responsible for boosting Brazilian Popular Music around the world.
He is also considered one of the greatest exponents of MPB by Rolling Stone magazine and one of the creators of the Bossa Nova movement. His love for nature and the city of Rio de Janeiro brought a difference to his songs, which won over the public with the voices of great performers.
Tom Jobim was born in 1927, in the Tijuca neighborhood and, when he was less than a year old, his family moved to the Ipanema neighborhood, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. His first contact with music was influenced by his musician uncles and, at the age of 14, he took his first piano lessons.
Contrary to what many people think, the renowned composer did not begin his career in the artistic field. Tom thought about working in architecture and even attended his first year at college, but left the office he worked for to dedicate himself to music, his great passion.
Tom Jobim started playing in nightclubs in Copacabana, and after a while he was hired by the Continental record company, with the task of putting the composers’ songs on paper.
Over time, this job allowed him to record his first songs and his first hit “Tereza da Praia”. There were years of history contributing to Brazilian music. In 1962, Tom performed at the Bossa Nova Festival in New York, marking the beginning of his international career.
Tom Jobim passed away at the age of 67, due to a cardiac arrest, in New York. His death caused great commotion in Brazil and the world, and his wake was held at Jardim Botânico – RJ.
The Ipanema neighborhood remains known as the birthplace of Tom Jobim. Furthermore, it is a neighborhood made up of a range of tourist activities, and is also a residential region with sophisticated and luxurious buildings that beautifully create the atmosphere of the upscale neighborhood.
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History of the song Girl from Ipanema
Every Brazilian is familiar with the charming verses of the song “Garota de Ipanema”. After all, it is one of the most striking songs in our country’s culture, and fervently represents the soul of Rio. Despite being inspired by Ipanema Beach, what many don’t know is that the song was also inspired by a “Girl from Ipanema”.
Carioca Heloísa Eneida Menezes Paes Pinto Pinheiro, better known as Helô Pinheiro, lived on Rua Montenegro in Ipanema and had the habit of walking along the sands of the beach. In 1962, composers Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes were socializing at the Veloso bar when they saw Helô for the first time.
The beauty of the 17-year-old girl on her way to the sea inspired them to compose a song to record the moment. And that’s how the much-acclaimed song originated. Only two years later, Helô learned that the song had been inspired by her. After recognition, she enjoyed a successful modeling career, reaching international heights.
Garota de Ipanema was one of the first Brazilian songs that reached a global level, and received great admiration from foreign audiences, even gaining its English version. In addition to Girl from Ipanema, Tom Jobim has several successful compositions in his career. Other famous songs by the composer are:
- Wave;
- By the Light of Your Eyes;
- March waters;
- I Know I Will Love You;
- No more longing;
- The happiness.
Statue of Tom Jobim: Legacy of MPB in Rio de Janeiro
Located at the entrance to Arpoador, the statue of Tom Jobim pays homage to the great Brazilian composer and singer, responsible for passionate melodies that became a milestone in the history of Brazilian Popular Music.
The work dedicated to the great composer was commissioned by the municipal government to mark the musician’s 20th anniversary in 2014. Family, friends and admirers were present at the inauguration, including the widow Ana Jobim and the artist’s children, Maria Luiza and Paulo Jobim. The sextet Terra Brasilis was chosen to open the day with a beautiful performance.
Furthermore, the artist Christina Motta, responsible for creating the statue of Tom Jobim, took approximately four months to complete it. Made of bronze, the statue portrays the image of Tom’s youth, around the 1960s, when he was in his prime.
His figure with the guitar on his shoulder was based on a photo of the moment when Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes had just performed a symphony in Brasília. At his feet, there is a plaque that shows an excerpt of the lyrics from “Samba do Avião”, a famous song by the composer.
Furthermore, the artistic composition was also well thought out by the author of the work, who defined the view of the sea and sky as the background. Certainly, this paradisiacal environment gives a more special touch and highlights the natural beauty of the place that Tom admired.
What to do on Ipanema Beach
Ipanema Beach is known for its diversity among visitors and, in addition, it is considered one of the most famous beaches in Rio de Janeiro. In addition to enchanting the public with its natural beauty, the beach has a range of activities available for entertainment throughout the day.
It’s perfect for taking a swim, taking a walk on the sand or on the boardwalk, playing volleyball with friends and practicing other sports typical of Rio’s sand. It is located between Leblon Beach and Arpoador Beach, and has three stations along its length, which are: Posto 8, Posto 9 and Posto 10.
Arpoador is known for its stunning views and is close to post 8. After spending a fun day at the beach, you can go to the big rock and admire the sunset. The show is acclaimed by many people and the atmosphere of romance usually takes over there.
Posto 9 is close to the famous Rua Farme de Amoedo, known for its festive atmosphere and for being a hit with the LGBTQIA+ crowd. Soon after, at station 10, you will find a more familiar atmosphere, made up of local residents who prefer to enjoy the early morning, with the sun low.
Throughout the day, you can set aside time for lunch, dinner or a snack. A range of restaurants, with the most diverse menus, are located around the beachfront. Among them are:
- Gero Ipanema;
- Galani Restaurant;
- Space 7zero6;
- Boteco Belmonte;
- Boteco Boa Praça.
For those who prefer to enjoy this moment in a kiosk closer to the sea, we have selected the options below:
- Beach Bar Ipanema;
- Tininha’s Tent;
- Alalaô Kiosk;
- Point Carioca 81;
- Almost Nine Kiosk.
The kiosks’ opening hours vary from 6am to 12am, with exceptions that operate 24 hours a day.
What is it like to live in Ipanema
The statue of Tom Jobim is a monument full of cultural value, especially for lovers of Brazilian music. It is located on Ipanema Beach and has easy access as it is close to bus stops and the General Osório metro station.
Anyone who becomes a resident of Ipanema makes the most of the tourist attractions located in the neighborhood. Important services and establishments also make up the infrastructure of the place. When walking through the streets, you can find restaurants, markets, pharmacies and other essential establishments for everyday life.
In addition to the amenities that Ipanema provides, the resident also has its paradisiacal beach, which is perfect for sun and sea lovers. The neighborhood also has easy access by both private and public transport, with metro and bus stations positioned at strategic points.
Living in Ipanema allows residents to enjoy a high-level infrastructure, serving the most varied audiences. The region is ideal for those who love a beautiful beach, good restaurants and a well-established residential and commercial structure.
