Jorge Ben (since 1988 performing as Jorge Ben Jor). Brazilian musician, vocalist and songwriter, born 22 March 1939 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the early 1960s, Ben recorded as a samba artist, gaining international renown as a songwriter when Sérgio Mendes covered his song, "Mas Que Nada". His earliest works include samba music and songs inspired by Bossa Nova, being a predominant style in the 60's. Influenced by American Rock and Funk music, Jorge Ben created in his album Africa Brasil (1976) a new style called Samba-Rock, switching from the heavy use of acoustic guitar to electric guitar from that album on. As of 2023 he is still performing in Brazil and rarely in other countries.