Cult singer Jose Mauro dies at the age of 76 after “disappearance”

Singer Jose Mauro has died at the age of 76.

The mysterious musician, who released only two albums, died after a short illness, Far Out Recordings confirmed.

After releasing the cult classics “Obnoxius” and “A Viagem Das Horas” in the 1970s, he withdrew completely from the limelight, fueling bizarre rumors about his disappearance.

A spokesperson for Far Out, which reissued his debut album in 2016, addressed these speculations in a lengthy statement while also paying tribute to his short career.

“We have sad news to share. José Mauro has passed away after a short illness at the age of 76,” the long Instagram message began.

“Because of José Mauro's short career, rumors circulated that he had been kidnapped by the military junta or had died in a traffic accident. The reality was clearer: he had decided not to continue his career as a recording artist because he was not achieving commercial success.

“Mauro continued to live and work in Rio, writing music for the theater and working as musical director at the Tablado theater school while also teaching guitar. But after a few years, Mauro began to have health problems and had to give up his music altogether.”

“After the reissue of Obnoxius in 2016, Far Out learned that Mauro was indeed alive and living a quiet life on the outskirts of Rio,” the message continued. “Thanks to his nephew @davidbutter, we were able to get in touch with Mauro ahead of the reissue of A Viagam Das Horas in 2021.”

“With great grace and humility, Mauro participated in interviews with The Guardian, New York Times, Bandcamp and The Wire Magazine and was able to set the record straight about rumors of his death and reflect on his music, his life and his well-deserved new recognition.”

The statement ended with the words: “It is too tempting to think about what might have been if José Mauro had been able to continue making music. But what he achieved in those few sessions in 1970 is in no way inferior to some of the great works of the most famous Brazilian artists.

“More than half a century since its creation, José Mauro's music has lost none of its power to completely fascinate and enchant. Far Out would like to express our deepest condolences to David, Ana Maria and José's family at this time.”

Mauro’s cause of death has not yet been determined.

Following the news, fans rushed to express their appreciation in the comments section below.

AndyThomasx76 replied: “Thanks for the music Jose and @farout_recordings for reissuing these beautiful records.”

Talismanvinyl agreed: “One of the greatest from Brazil. His work is some of the most touching music I've ever heard. The name of our store is inspired by one of his songs.”

“Obnoxious is one of the most beautiful albums I have ever heard… It captivated me and everyone I played it to,” said Alexander_Stevens_BPL. “Rest in peace and thank you for making such beautiful music.”

JimmyJeanVersion added: “A very special, very unique voice and sound. Timeless. Rest in peace x.”

Born in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro, Mauro discovered his passion for music at a very young age after his father gave him an accordion when he was seven years old.

He continued to study music and took guitar lessons, while also composing as a teenager.

To “cut costs”, Mauro went into the studio and recorded two albums in one session, putting the finishing touches to “Obnoxius”, which came out in 1970, before releasing “A Viagem Das Horas” six years later.

Shortly after, he withdrew from the limelight completely, giving rise to bizarre rumors about his life. Many suspected he was killed by the military, while others wondered if he died in an accident.

Far Out Recordings re-released his debut album in 2016 and the promotional materials falsely claimed that Mauro had died, although he was still alive.

Ahead of a 2021 reissue of his follow-up album, Far Out founder Joe Davis told the New York Times: “From the label's perspective, we really believed Mauro was gone, that's really all.”

Davis said Mauro's old producer Roberto Quartin suggested he had been in a fatal motorcycle accident.

“He said he was told he may have been in a serious motorcycle accident and died, but he wasn't 100 percent sure,” he continued. “That led us to believe that was probably the case.”

“There was no reason for us to believe otherwise at the time. As soon as we heard he was alive, we stopped everything until we had spoken to him.”

Instead, Mauro stayed in Rio and continued his endeavors in music – writing music for the theater while also working at the Tablado theater school – but eventually had to stop due to health reasons.

He gave rare interviews to promote the 2021 remake, telling the outlet, “I can't understand how this happened.”

“I kind of disappeared because so much time passed between the recording and the release of the albums. But there was no reason to believe that I had died!”

“For so many years I was thought dead,” he added to the Guardian. “Now my work is being recognised. It's incredible.”

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