Roberto Carlos Braga Moreira, also known as the King of Latin Music or simply the King, is a Brazilian singer-songwriter born on April 19, 1941. He is one of the most influential artists in Brazil, with over 140 million albums sold worldwide, and an estimated net worth of US$160 million.
Born in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil, Roberto Carlos is the fourth and last son of watchmaker Robertino Braga and seamstress Laura Moreira Braga. At the age of six, he was hit by a steam locomotive and had to have his right leg amputated just below the knee, an experience he avoids talking about.
As a child, Roberto Carlos learned to play the guitar and piano, first with his mother and later at the Itapemirim Music Conservatory. At the age of nine, he performed on a children's show broadcast by Rádio Cachoeiro, singing a bolero called "Mal Amor" and winning candies as the first prize.
Influenced by his idol Elvis Presley and the 1950s rock revolution, Roberto Carlos rose to stardom as the main figure of the 1950s and 1960s musical movement known as Jovem Guarda, a rip-off from another TV show. He has been called "O Rei" (the King) since then.
Roberto Carlos has been a prolific songwriter and performer, releasing many successful albums and singles, including "Parei Na Contramão" and "O Calhambeque". He has also starred in a few motion pictures directed by Roberto Farias, many of them heavily inspired by the Beatles movies.
Throughout his career, Roberto Carlos has been cited as a source of inspiration by many artists and bands, and has won numerous awards for his contributions to Brazilian music.
