Documents from Gilberto Gil's Private Archive

warner music group Roger Ames, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer 75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10019 P 212.484.7128 F 212.247.2251 roger.ames@wmg.com September 2, 2003 Dear Gilberto, The word revolutionary is much overused in these difficult times, but never more accurately than when applied to you, Gilberto, a man whose journey through this life has changed our world irrevocably. I would venture to guess that you are the only person present tonight_unless Caetano Veloso is in the house who has been thrown in jail and subsequently exiled for expressing yourself musically. And I suspect there are not many here who founded an entirely new musical movement, as you and Caetano did in the late '60s with Tropicalia. This merging of traditional Brazilian bossa nova, reggae, rock, salsa and funk that you then infused with politically charged messages was radical enough to have you imprisoned and sent into exile in England. Thankfully, exile did not silence your extraordinary voice. Like many despots, the one who sent you away was transient, and your return to Brazil was the beginning of an even more prolific era for your musical genius and your social activism. There are a dozen gold records among your dozens of albums, and five platinum singles. There's a Grammy award for Best World Music Album, and two consecutive Latin Grammys, for Best Brazilian Roots/Regional Album. And there are millions of people around the world whose lives have been touched by your exquisite music and your compassionate spirit. Your tireless advocacy for the world's less fortunate citizens, your passion for environmental causes and your ceaseless political and social activism have been a model to live by. Earlier this year, when your president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, had the wisdom to install you as Brazil's cultural minister, it was eloquent testimony to your powerful impact on politics and the arts, not only in your country but the world at large. And it occurred to me at the time that this appointment was in reality an official recognition of what we've long known—that you've been Brazil's cultural ambassador to the world for years. I can think of no one more deserving of The Latin Recording Academy's Person Of The Year award than you, Gilberto. My heartfelt congratulations go along with my fervent wish that you keep the music and the ideas—thriving for years to come. Sincerely, An AOL Time Warner Company