Almir Chediak

Almir Santana Chediak (June 21, 1950 – May 25, 2003) was a Brazilian

Almir Chediak was born into a Lebanese immigrant family and grew up on the state of Minas Gerais.^[1] He showed an early aptitude for music, starting guitar lessons at 7. As he moved to live in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 13, he started studying guitar under the instructions of reputed guitarist of that time Dino 7 Cordas. Precociously at age of 17, Chediak already began working professionally as a guitar instructor and also scoring soundtracks for films directed by Jece Valadão and others, also writing string and horn arrangements for recording sessions. Still young, he recorded a single with the actress and Belgian model living in Brazil Annik Malvil, introducer of the little tube dress fashion in the 1960s. His students included the likes of Gal Costa, Nara Leão, Cazuza, Tim Maia, Carlos Lyra, and Elba Ramalho, among numerous others.^[2]

In 1984, Almir Chediak launched his first book "The Dictionary of Notated Chords"^[3] and in 1986 he founded his own publishing house, the "Lumiar Record".^[4] At the same year, he launched his second book "Methods of Harmony and Improvisation".^[5] Both of his works are widely used in Brazil and have been influential in training the generation of young Brazilian musicians now entering their prime.^[6]

In 1988 Almir Chediak introduced the Songbook series of

In 1991, Almir Chediak launched his publishing house of CDs "Lumiar Discos"[9] and the Songbooks were now accompanied by CD's that had new and innovative versions of the songs performed by other leading names of Brazilian popular music. He produced those albums, and was widely praised for rescuing obscure songs and for persuading artists to record songs that were thought to be at odds with their usual styles or public images. Now everyone in Brazil and outside the country would be able to sing and play the songs, with their proper harmonies whenever they want, and that was never before done until Chediak starts his enterprises.

In all, Chediak edited 18 songbooks, featuring artists like Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, Djavan, Noel Rosa and Ary Barroso.

While nearing completion on a songbook retrospective of João Bosco and writing a biography of singer Tim Maia, Chediak was attacked by robbers and was shot to death. He was 52 years old.^[10]

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